Glucose Management and Preeclampsia Risk in Women With Type 1 Diabetes: Summary of Findings
by Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES
Insights from the Glycaemic Control in Women With Type 1 Diabetes and Preeclampsia Risk: A Nationwide Cohort Study demonstrates that women with T1DM have a significantly higher risk of preeclampsia compared to women without diabetes. The risk increases in those with poorer glycemic management around the time of conception and throughout the pregnancy. Optimizing your blood glucose management strategies prior to and during pregnancy is critical for reducing the risk of preeclampsia and improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
Preeclampsia is high blood pressure during pregnancy that is accompanied by protein in the urine and involves the kidneys, liver, and brain and is a serious, sometimes life-threatening, complication during pregnancy that can affect both the mother and the baby.
A recent nationwide cohort study led by Natalie Holowko and colleagues (published August 26, 2025) has shed new light on the relationship between glycemic control and preeclampsia risk in women with T1DM.
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Key Findings from the Study
The study analyzed data from a large population of pregnant women (n = 1,689.301), comparing those with T1DM (n= 4429) to those without diabetes (1,684,842). The major findings include:
- 16.8% women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) developed preeclampsia compared to 2.9% of women without type 1 diabetes.
- The risk of preeclampsia rose as peri-conceptional HbA1c levels increased. Women with HbA1c <?48?mmol/mol (<?6.5% ) had an 11.6% risk, while those with HbA1c ??76?mmol/mol (??9.1% ) had a 23.3% risk.
- Dose-Response Relationship: The study showed a clear dose–response between HbA1c levels and preeclampsia risk in women with T1DM: the higher the A1C, the higher the risk for preeclampsia
- Risk by Timing of Preeclampsia resulting in need for delivery: Preeclampsia that develops:
- At or after 37 weeks of gestation has a relative risk score of 3.5
- Before 34 weeks of gestation, a relative risk score of 7.2
- Between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation has a relative risk score of 9.9
At Integrated Diabetes Services, we understand the unique challenges women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face when planning a pregnancy and during pregnancy itself.
In fact, several of our team members have made it through successful and healthy pregnancies and deliveries while managing T1D themselves!
Our team offers comprehensive support to help you achieve and maintain optimal glucose management, which is essential for minimizing pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
IDS Diabetes Management in Pregnancy Planning and Throughout Your Pregnancy
- Preconception Diabetes Counseling: We provide individualized guidance to help you achieve target HbA1c levels before conception, reducing your risk of preeclampsia and other complications.
- Medication Review: Our experts assess your current diabetes management regimen and recommend adjustments as needed prior to conception to ensure safety and effectiveness during pregnancy.
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Support: We work with you to develop a personalized nutrition and exercise plan that supports healthy blood glucose levels.
- Regular Consultations: Our team is available for regular check-ins to address any changes in your health or diabetes management needs as your pregnancy progresses.
- Education and Empowerment: We provide resources and education to empower you to make informed decisions about your health and your baby’s well-being.
The findings from the nationwide cohort study highlight the importance of glycemic control for reducing preeclampsia risk in women with type 1 diabetes.
Integrated Diabetes Services is committed to supporting women at every stage of pregnancy planning and pregnancy, offering expert guidance and personalized care to help achieve the best possible outcomes for mother and baby. Contact us today for your initial consult!
Original article: N. Holowko, N. Roos, B. Pasternak, et al., “ Glycaemic Control in Women With Type 1 Diabetes and Preeclampsia Risk: A Nationwide Cohort Study,” BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (2025): 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.18339.
