Post-partum hypoglycaemia in lactating women with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study using continuous glucose monitoring

Authors

  • Berit Inkster Department of Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
  • Jacqui Elder Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
  • Claire Alexander Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
  • Louise Osborne Diabetes Centre, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, Scotland, UK
  • Nicola N Zammitt Department of Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
  • Brian M Frier Department of Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15277/bjdvd.2015.026

Abstract

Aims: To observe glucose profiles in post-partum women with type 1 diabetes with a particular focus on hypoglycaemia.


Methods: Post-partum women with type 1 diabetes were studied for 4 weeks using home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Episodes of hypoglycaemia were documented using self-reported questionnaires.

Results: Of 15 consenting participants, only six women completed the study, four of whom breastfed their baby. HBGM was performed a median of 7 times per day. No severe hypoglycaemia (requiring third party assistance) occurred, but a median of 17 (range 10–23) episodes of mild hypoglycaemia occurred. In all participants, CGM revealed several episodes of hypoglycaemia that were not detected by capillary blood glucose testing.

Conclusions: Asymptomatic hypoglycaemia is common during breastfeeding. Recruitment and retention difficulties illustrate the challenge of studying glycaemia and intensive interventions in the post-partum period. Education programmes may help to reduce post-partum hypoglycaemia in women with type 1 diabetes.

References

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Published

2015-09-01

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2015)

Section

Original Research

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