New modalities in the treatment of pregnancies complicated by diabetes: Drugs and devices

SummaryThe development of drugs and devices in the treatment of pregnancies complicated by diabetes is in constant forward progression to compensate for pancreatic beta cell insufficiency. Maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy is of particular interest due to the severe consequences that surface when a fetus is in development. The drugs that are currently recommended for use during pregnancy include rapid-acting insulin analogs lispro and aspart for meal-related bolus insulin and intermediate-acting NPH for basal insulin. Oral anti-diabetic agents are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Better control may be achieved with the incorporation of real-time glucose sensors and new insulin pumps with hopes of improving pregnancy outcome.