Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary have partnered to join a study on International Health . The purpose of the study is to determine whether a blood glucose monitor can help diabetic pregnant women keep themselves and their unborn children safely.
The study is testing the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) during pregnancy. Glucometers are inserted into the abdomen, where the sensors pick up on sugar levels in the blood, and send the results to a small monitor that can be worn around.
Dr. Lois Donovan is in Calgary, and helps coordinate the study. Dr. Donovan said there are a lot of risks for mothers and their unborn children living with type 1 diabetes:
· High blood sugar can cause babies to be born overweight
· high blood sugar can also cause other health crises that make them difficult deliveries
· diabetic symptoms in mothers during conception also birth defects risk for babies
Dr. Donovan believes diabetic pregnant women may benefit from blood glucose meters, and also help to ensure that their children are born healthy.
"In providing regular feedback, almost constant, continuous glucose monitoring shows women how their sugar levels in the blood are oriented, and they need to take corrective action. "
Calgary leg of the study will ideally involve as many as 60 pregnant women, while seven other research centers in Ontario will also administer their own tests.
Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto leads the Canadian chapters of the study. Mount Sinai is also associated with an experienced cord blood bank program -. Cord blood is also tested as a viable source of therapy for type 1 diabetes