Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia: A new risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in type 1 diabetes

Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) on metabolic control and pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes. Material and Methods This was a single-centre prospective cohort study of singleton pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. IAH was assessed at the first antenatal visit using Clarke's test (score >= 3). Data on metabolic control, hypoglycaemic events, and the lipid profile were collected from prior to pregnancy and in each trimester of gestation. Pregnancy outcomes were also recorded. Results A total of 77 patients with type 1 diabetes were included; 24 (31.2%) were classified as having IAH. Compared with the normal awareness of hypoglycaemia (NAH) group, the IAH group did not show differences in HbA(1c), weight gain, insulin doses, or severe and nonsevere hypoglycaemia events throughout pregnancy. IAH was associated with higher triglyceride concentrations in the second trimester (IAH: 154.8 +/- 61.1 mg/dL, NAH: 128.6 +/- 31.2 mg/dL, P = .034) and an increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress (odds ratio [OR] 11.24; 95% CI, 1.01-124.9, P = .041) in adjusted models. Increased risk of pre-eclampsia was related to higher second trimester triglyceride concentrations (OR 1.028; 95% CI, 1.004-1.053, P = .023) adjusted for confounders. Conclusions The IAH was associated with increased risk of neonatal respiratory distress and pre-eclampsia, despite showing no differences in metabolic control. Hypoglycaemia awareness in the first antenatal visit should be assessed to identify the subgroup of pregnant women with increased risk of complications.