An artificial pancreas helped woman with diabetes to give birth
A diabetic woman has become the first in the world to give birth naturally after using an artificial pancreas while pregnant, experts have said.
Catriona Finlayson-Wilkins, 41, of Knapton, Norfolk, gave birth to son Euan at the Norfolk University Hospital. She is also the first woman to give birth after using the device outside the main research site in Cambridge.
The new mother-of-two has Type 1 diabetes and wore the piece of kit throughout her pregnancy to produce insulin and prevent symptoms of the disease. Three other mothers have previously given birth in Cambridge after using the device but by caesarean section.
An artificial pancreas device system (APDS) is a small portable piece of equipment designed to carry out the function of a healthy pancreas. It helps to control blood glucose levels using digital communication technology to automate insulin delivery. An APDS is worn on the body during pregnancy and has a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a digital controller and an insulin pump.
Women who have diabetes in pregnancy face higher rates of birth defects, over-sized babies, pre-term delivery and stillbirth than other pregnant women. Treating diabetes in pregnancy can be particularly challenging because hormone levels are constantly changing and blood sugars can be difficult to predict.
The results of the ongoing National Institute for Health Research's Closed Loop in Pregnancy study are due to be published later this year. Its findings could mean the technology benefits more pregnant women with diabetes.
Source: bbc.com
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