News & Research

Insulin Requirements in Type 1 Diabetic Pregnancy: Do twin pregnant women require twice as much insulin as singleton pregnant women? by Callesen and colleagues. Diabetes Care, 35, 1246–1248, 2012

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes have changing insulin requirements over the course of gestation, however little is known about the special needs that come along with carrying twins.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers hoped to determine whether women carrying twins need extra insulin, and if so how much more, so pregnant women with diabetes can receive the best care.

Who was studied?

The study included 15 women pregnant with twins and 108 women pregnant with a single child.

How was the study done?

The researchers checked the participants’ insulin requirements and A1C (average blood glucose over the previous two to three months) at 8, 14, 21, 27, and 33 weeks into their pregnancies.

What did the researchers find?

Between 14 and 27 weeks into their pregnancies, women carrying twins required around 3 units of insulin per day, twice that of women carrying a single child, who needed 1.5 units per day. After that, insulin requirements stabilized for the remainder of pregnancy. A1C levels between the women carrying twins and those carrying single children were similar.

What were the limitations of the study?

The study only included 15 mothers of twins, which may not be enough to make broad conclusions about insulin requirements.

What are the implications of the study?

Mothers of twins and their caregivers should be prepared for a sharp increase in insulin requirements at around 14 weeks of gestation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Real-Life Stories of Diabetes and Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes & Pregnancy: A Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy