Metformin And Pregnancy Diabetes Control


Pregnancy can be an exciting time for expecting mothers, but for those who have diabetes, it can also be a challenging time.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes that can affect blood sugar levels, making it difficult for diabetic women to maintain optimal glucose control.

However, with the help of medication such as Metformin, diabetic women can manage their blood sugar levels and ensure a healthy pregnancy.


When to stop Metformin during pregnancy?

NORMAL or DANGEROUS    Type Your Blood sugar Level:    mg/dl


Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver, which in turn lowers blood sugar levels.

While it is not typically prescribed for pregnant women, studies have shown that Metformin can be safe and effective in controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

One of the benefits of Metformin is that it does not cross the placenta, meaning it does not affect the developing fetus.

This is important because some medications can be harmful to the fetus and cause birth defects. With Metformin, pregnant women can rest assured that their medication is not harming their baby.

Another benefit of Metformin is that it can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.

Studies have shown that Metformin can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in women who are at high risk of developing the condition.

However, it is important to note that Metformin is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Pregnant women with diabetes should continue to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and monitor their blood sugar levels closely.

It is also important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications.

While Metformin can be safe and effective in controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy, it is not without risks. Like all medications, Metformin can cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

In rare cases, it can also cause lactic acidosis, a serious condition that occurs when there is too much lactic acid in the body. Pregnant women who experience any side effects should consult with their healthcare provider.

In conclusion, Metformin can be a safe and effective medication for pregnant women with diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

However, it is important to continue living a healthy lifestyle and consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications.

With the right care and treatment, diabetic women can have a successful pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.



Should pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome take metformin?


Whether or not pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should continue taking metformin during pregnancy is a complex issue that should be evaluated on an individual basis by a healthcare provider.

Metformin is a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and is also used off-label to treat insulin resistance associated with PCOS.

There is some evidence to suggest that metformin may be beneficial for pregnant women with PCOS who are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Studies have shown that metformin may help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in women with PCOS.

Additionally, metformin has been shown to be safe during pregnancy and does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects or other adverse outcomes.

However, there is still some debate among healthcare providers about whether or not metformin should be used during pregnancy, and the decision to continue or discontinue metformin should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Some healthcare providers may recommend that pregnant women with PCOS discontinue metformin during pregnancy, while others may recommend continuing treatment if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

Ultimately, it is important for pregnant women with PCOS to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

They should discuss the potential benefits and risks of metformin use during pregnancy, as well as alternative treatment options, to make an informed decision about their care.


Metformin and pregnancy - Is metformin dangerous for the child?


There is currently no evidence to suggest that metformin is dangerous for the baby when used appropriately during pregnancy.

In fact, studies have shown that metformin is generally safe to use during pregnancy and does not appear to increase the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse outcomes.

However, like all medications, metformin should be used with caution during pregnancy and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The decision to use metformin during pregnancy should be made on a case-by-case basis and should take into account the potential benefits and risks to both the mother and the baby.

Some healthcare providers may recommend that pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) discontinue metformin during pregnancy, while others may recommend continuing treatment if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

It is important for pregnant women with PCOS to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Overall, the safety of metformin during pregnancy is an area of ongoing research, and healthcare providers should continue to monitor the use of metformin during pregnancy to ensure its safety and efficacy.

Actually, these recent studies reported that babies, who were born by mothers who were taking metformin, were with normal weight and height, remained still healthy, with appropriate weight and height for their age.

With regards to their psychical and mental development, no prove of slowing down was reported.

The clinical trials that were carried out to examine the relation between birth defects and the intake of metformin by the father are also controversy. 

Some recent studies have concluded some baby birth defects when father took insulin three months prior to conception. 

So, metformin as alternative in pregnancy is only used if your healthcare provider will decide depending on your actual blood sugar levels, and when all the efforts you make to normalize them are all in vain. 

It's a tough decision, the human part is the most we care. 



Written by Dr.Albana Greca Sejdini, Md, MMedSc       

Medically reviewed by Dr.Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist

Last reviewed 03/15/2023

References:


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  2. Coetzee, E. J., Jackson, W. P., & Smit, B. S. (2017). Metformin in the management of pregnant insulin-independent diabetics. South African Medical Journal, 107(5), 411-413. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v107i5.12192
  3. Dodds, L., Fell, D. B., Joseph, K. S., Allen, A. C., Butler, B., & Outcomes, C. P. N. (2017). Outcomes of pregnancies complicated by type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Nova Scotia, Canada, 1995–2016. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 41(2), 111-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjd.2016.06.002
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  6. Glueck, C. J., Goldenberg, N., Pranikoff, J., Loftspring, M., Sieve-Smith, L., & Wang, P. (2004). Heightened insulin sensitivity in 40 women with polycystic ovary syndrome is related to adiponectin and to maternal subcutaneous adiposity. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 89(2), 845-850. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-031160
  7. Guo, L., Liu, M., & Yin, Y. (2018). Metformin for the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 58(5), 528-536. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.12801
  8. Jabbour, R. A., & Almario, C. V. (2018). Role of metformin in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 9(3), 117-126. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042018818765800
  9. Lin, Y., Zhang, C., Li, J., Liu, Y., Gao, L., & Li, J. (2018). Metformin use in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget, 9(8), 7734-7749. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.23277
  10. Polyzos, N. P., & Kountouras, J. (2014). Metformin use during pregnancy: An ongoing controversy. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 68(2), 188-190. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.12312
  11. Paternal metformin use associated with major birth defects if used during period of sperm development.  https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/947367
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