Comparison of a subcutaneous versus intravenous insulin protocol for managing hyperglycemia following antenatal betamethasone in women with diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial. (12th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sweeting, Arianne N.; Hsieh, Albert; Wong, Jencia; Ross, Glynis P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 35:Number 25(2022)
• Page Start: 5888
• Page End: 5896
• Publication Date: 2022-12-12
• Subjects: Preterm delivery -- glucocorticoids -- diabetes -- insulin -- neonatal hypoglycemia; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1900104
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of a subcutaneous insulin (SC-I) versus intravenous insulin (IV-I) protocol for optimizing maternal blood glucose levels (BGLs) post-betamethasone administration. Methods: Randomized controlled in-patient pilot study in pregnant women with diabetes, excluding type 1 diabetes, receiving betamethasone ≥24 weeks' gestation. Interventions were stratified SC-I and IV-I protocols, titrated to hourly BGLs (IV-I) or predicted maternal hyperglycemia and 2–4 hourly BGLs (SC-I). Primary outcome was percentage at-target BGL 4.0–8.0 mmol/L over 48 h post-betamethasone. Secondary outcomes were rates of maternal hyperglycemia (>8.0 mmol/L), hypoglycemia (<4.0 mmol/L) and neonatal hypoglycemia (≤2.5 mmol/L). Results: 19 women (3 with type 2 diabetes [T2DM], 4 with gestational diabetes [GDM]-diet, 12 GDM-insulin) were randomized to a SC-I ( n = 13) or IV-I ( n = 6) protocol in a 9-month period. There was a non-significant trend for higher mean percentage at-target BGLs with SC-I vs IV-I (87% vs 81%; p = .055); this was significant when the cohort was restricted to women with GDM (89% vs 81%; p = .04). Maternal hyperglycemia (85% vs 100%; p = .31) and hypoglycemia (54% vs 33%; p = .41) were not significantly different, but there were no BGLs <3.8 mmol/L with IV-I (vs 4 women with SC-I; p = .13). The rate of neonatal hypoglycemia was not different between groups. Conclusion: A SC-I or IV-I protocol controls maternal BGLs following betamethasone, but SC-I appears safe and minimizes labor intensive IV-I in GDM. An adequately powered RCT to assess superiority of SC-I is planned.