Metformin Might Offer Health Benefits to Pregnant Women with Type 2 Diabetes, Study Suggests

Jan, 2021 - By SMI

A new study initiated by the researchers of Western Sydney University have reported that  Metformin, a common medication for treatment of Type 2 diabetes, might offer a range of health benefits to pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, researchers participated in the "Metformin in women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy" (MiTy) trial that was conducted by Sinai Health in Canada, which evaluated the impact of Metformin in pregnant women.

In this randomized trial study, 502 pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes participated in the study. The participants either took Metformin or a placebo, coupled with their typical insulin regimen, as this trial was randomized. The findings reported that women who consumed Metformin during their pregnancy experienced health benefits including less gestational weight gain, lower insulin requirements, better glucose control, and fewer cesarean births.  It is evident from sources that women with diabetes during pregnancy have babies who are large for gestational age, however the study also revealed that infants of mothers who consumed Metformin weighed 210 grams less than the average weight.

Denice Feig, Lead researcher stated, “Women with Type 2 diabetes often take Metformin prior to pregnancy, however, once pregnant, there is little evidence to guide their decision to either stop or continue use of the drug. This study found that women with Type 2 diabetes who take Metformin during pregnancy are more likely to see various health benefits, including requiring less insulin, gaining less weight and reducing their risk of a cesarean birth”.

Researchers also noted that along with benefits, there are certain uncertainties such as if infants do not gain enough weight, while in utero or growing too small, then a women should discontinue the medication. Researchers concluded that they are focusing on the long-term effects of Metformin on infants.