Impact of Metformin Versus Insulin on Diabetic Pregnancy Outcome, Aljalaa Maternity Hospital

الملخص

In recent years, metformin has gained acceptance as a safe, effective and rational option for reducing insulin
resistance in pregnant women with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes (GDM). The study aimed to compare
the efficacy and safety of Metformin versus insulin in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by
evaluating the influence of medication on maternal and fetal outcomes. A retrospective study included 550 diabetic
women who were under antenatal follow up in diabetic pregnancy outpatient department and who gave birth in the
period from 1st Jan. 2012 up to 31st Dec. 2014 in Aljalaa Maternity Hospital, Tripoli-Libya.
The percentage of patients who had normal vaginal delivery was higher in Metformin group (35.6%) compared
with insulin group (17.5%) the relationship was significant (P < 0.05), HbA1c% level was < 7% in 35.1% of insulin
patients and 66.5% in metformin patients group. About 45% of patients on metformin need supplemental insulin in
different stages of pregnancy to fulfill perfect blood sugar control. In this study there was no difference in neonatal
outcomes between insulin and metformin patients groups, and there were no statistically significant differences in
birth weight between insulin treated patients and metformin treated patient (P =0.5).
Metformin was efficacious in controlling diabetes in pregnancy, associated with decreased chance of caesarean
delivery and not associated with increased perinatal complications.