Wymondham mother praises medical trial which helps pregnant diabetics
Laura Carver, of Wymondham, with her son Sonny. - Credit: Archant
A diabetic mother today told of her gratitude towards a new medical trial which could benefit thousands of pregnant women who live with the condition
Laura Carver, 29, from Wymondham, who has type 1 diabetes, suffered the agony of a miscarriage 18 months ago but has now given birth to a healthy child – partly thanks to the research project she took part in.
The study, published last night, details the experiences of the first 16 women with type 1 diabetes, including Mrs Carver, to successfully use an artificial pancreas throughout their pregnancy and during childbirth.
If a woman's type 1 diabetes isn't managed properly it can create an increased risk of complications to babies – but experts hope the development of the artificial pancreas will improve outcomes significantly.
Mrs Carver, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 18 months old, said: 'I thought I was more than capable of managing the condition by myself.
'But I had suffered a miscarriage previously and when I spoke to my husband, Gordon, and parents about taking part in the study they felt it was a good opportunity.'
The artificial pancreas comprises a system that continuously monitors blood glucose levels, calculates the right amount of insulin required (through a tablet or mobile phone), and automatically delivers insulin through a pump.
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Mrs Carver said her blood glucose control improved dramatically during the study.
'Certainly if this technology was available I wouldn't hesitate in using it again,' she added.
Researchers say the artificial pancreas was associated with a 25pc improvement in glucose control compared with the best available treatment.
The study, which is funded by Diabetes UK and the National Institute of Health Research, has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Have you got a health story? Email reporter Nicholas Carding at nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk with the details.
