Abstract
Objective This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the development or deterioration of nephropathy and retinopathy over time is not affected by pregnancy in women with pregestational type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Study design Prospective, observational study of nephropathy and retinopathy follow-up during pregnancy and in a subsequent period of 2 years in a group of pregnant women with T1DM (study group) that we compared with pair-matched non-pregnant women with T1DM (control group) who underwent similar intensive follow-up.
Results The rate of renal microvascular complications was similar at entry, 17.4% (4/23) in the study group and 21.7% (5/23) in the control group. At the last visit, both groups had nephropathy rates of 17.4% (4/23) and paired p-value of 1.00. Similarly, the rate of retinal microvascular complications of any grade was similar in both groups and remained so at the last follow-up examination.
Conclusion Pregnancy per se does not appear to increase the risk for the development of, or the acceleration of the progression of retinopathy and nephropathy during a follow-up of at least 2 years in relatively healthy T1DM patients. This information is important for counseling young women with T1DM who are considering becoming pregnant.
Key Points
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Retinopathy and nephropathy are major complications of T1DM.
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Pregnancy per se does not appear to cause major microvascular complications in T1DM.
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Pregnancy per se does not appear to aggravate retinopathy in T1DM.
Keywords
nephropathy - retinopathy - microvascular complications - type 1 diabetes mellitus
