The drug metformin offers promising treatment benefits for gestational diabetes, a study from the University of Galway has found.
This condition, affecting nearly three million pregnant women worldwide each year, carries increased health risks for mothers and newborns.
The research led by Prof Fidelma Dunne, a consultant endocrinologist, evaluated the effects of metformin on pregnant women who have gestational diabetes.
The trial's results were published in Jama: the Journal of American Medical Association.
“Traditionally, gestational diabetes management revolved around dietary advice and physical activity, with insulin as the next line of treatment," Prof Dunne told the 59th annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Hamburg, Germany.
"Though effective, insulin can present complications."
To try to find a safer and more effective alternative, the research team explored metformin, a drug with a six-decade history in treating Type 2 Diabetes.
The Emerge study, a randomised, placebo-controlled trial, engaged more than 500 pregnant participants and brought encouraging outcomes.
Women who were treated with metformin were 25 per cent less likely to need insulin. When it was required, insulin introduction occurred later in their pregnancy.
Participants on metformin displayed better sugar control, particularly during the 32nd and 38th weeks of gestation.
These women also experienced less weight gain throughout the study, a trend that persisted 12 weeks after giving birth.
Birth timings were comparable for the metformin and placebo groups, with no increase in preterm deliveries among those on metformin.
Infants born to mothers on metformin were, on average, 113g lighter, and there were fewer instances of them being classified as “large at birth”.
While a slight decrease in infant length was noted for the metformin group, other measurements were largely consistent with those of the placebo group.
No significant differences were found in adverse neo-natal outcomes or maternal complications during or after delivery.
“Metformin has emerged as a powerful alternative in gestational diabetes management," Prof Dunne said.
"It stands as a beacon of hope not just for expectant mothers, but for healthcare providers across the globe.”
This landmark study successfully dispelled lingering concerns over metformin, especially pertaining to preterm birth and infant size.
A vast majority (98 per cent) of participants continued the trial until delivery, and only a minimal 4.9 per cent discontinued the medication because of side-effects, underscoring its safety.
“The Emerge study reshapes our understanding of gestational diabetes treatment," Prof Dunne said.
"With the evident benefits of metformin, expectant mothers worldwide can now have more confidence in their treatment options."
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
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