A sensor-augmented pump with a predictive low-glucose suspend system could lead to an optimal time in target range during pregnancy in Japanese women with type 1 diabetes

It is challenging for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes to maintain optimum glucose level to attain good neonatal outcomes. This study evaluated the efficacy of sensor-augmented insulin pump (SAP) with a predictive low-glucose suspend (PLGS) system in pregnant Japanese women with type 1 diabetes.

SAP with PLGS was used in 11 of the 22 women with type 1 diabetes who delivered between 2011 and 2021 at the two medical institutions in Japan. Glucose management, insulin delivery suspension time (IST) and neonatal outcomes were retrospectively studied.

In SAP with PLGS cases (n = 11), average glycated hemoglobin levels were < 6.5% throughout the pregnancy, and the time in range (TIR, 63–140 mg/dl) was > 70% in the second and third trimesters. PLGS was safely used without inducing ketoacidosis. Positive correlation was observed between IST and TIR (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Negative correlation was observed between IST and time below range (TBR) (r =  − 0.40, p = 0.02), and IST and time above range (TAR) (r =  − 0.45, p = 0.01). Total daily insulin dose was adequately increased without increasing hypoglycemia. There was only one heavy-for-date HFD) infant among the 11 newborns in SAP with PLGS cases. In cases without SAP (n = 11), target glycemic levels were difficult to achieve and there were 5 HFD infants among the 11 newborns.

SAP with PLGS was safely and effectively used in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes to achieve target glucose levels without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, which may have led to good neonatal outcomes.