PREGNANT WOMEN IN WEST URGED TO ENTER DIABETES PROGRAMME

Date Published: 17-Dec-2012

The head of an NUIGalway research study which has reduced the rate of miscarriage in women with diabetes is encouraging more women to participate.

The study reveals that the stillbirth rate in pregnant women with poorly controlled diabetes, was five times greater than the background population.

Researchers surveyed 104 women from Galway and Letterkenny.

Consultant endocrinologist at University Hospital Galway, Professor Fidelma Dunne and Dr. Geraldine Gaffney at NUIG headed up the research.

The study involved educating healthcare professionals and pregnant women about the importance of controlling blood sugars.

The research resulted in a drop in miscarriage rates from 22 percent to 8 percent.

The rate of stillbirths also dropped from 4 percent to 1 percent.

Professor Dunne says it’s rewarding to have such a positive impact on pregnancies.