Research tackles risk of diabetes to babies

ACADEMICS are to begin research aimed at reducing the risk of congenital abnormalities developing in babies born to women with diabetes.

The charity Diabetes UK is funding the study at Newcastle University that will investigate common problems and risk factors associated with the condition.

Women with diabetes who become pregnant are five times more likely to have a stillborn baby compared to other women.

Their babies are also more likely to be affected by other congenital abnormalities, including spina bifida, heart and kidney irregularities.

Some types of congenital anomalies can also lead to the death of the infant or serious long-term health problems, which sometimes require major surgery.

It is known good blood glucose control before and during pregnancy can reduce this risk, but little is known about what other preventative measures women can take.

Dr Ruth Bell and her team of researchers have been awarded a 12-month project grant to collate information from unique registers of congenital anomaly and pregnancies in women with diabetes in the North of England.

She said: “Pregnancy poses a risk for all women, however, there is an increased risk for women with diabetes, as having a pregnancy affected by a congenital anomaly is twice as likely to occur.

“It’s important that current research is compiled and used to help further our knowledge in this field.”