CHICAGO – In particular, “several retrospective studies have shown that the risk for congenital malformations is increased with higher hemoglobin A1c levels,” said Susan Kirk, MD, speaking at a “Meet the Professor” session at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society.
However, pointed out Dr. Kirk, fact-based counseling about pregnancy risks for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can – and should – occur within the framework of a strong and accepting physician-patient relationship.
Most women with diabetes have received pre-conception counseling about the risks of pregnancy with diabetes and the importance of glycemic control. “Despite that, I think many of us are often surprised by the percentage of unplanned pregnancies,” said Dr. Kirk, of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, in an interview.
“What I have learned is that the desire to become pregnant is so strong, and the contemplation of all the adverse events that can happen … is really scary, not only to the woman but to her partner as well.”