Comparing twice- versus four-times daily insulin in mothers with gestational diabetes in Pakistan and its implications

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common medical problem associated with maternal and fetal complications. Good glycemic control is the cornerstone of treatment. Objective: Compare outcomes between four times (q.i.d) and twice daily (b.i.d) regimens. The morning dose of the b.i.d regimen contained two-thirds of the total insulin, comprising a third human regular insulin and two-thirds human intermediate insulin; equal amounts in the evening. Methods: 480 women at >30 weeks with gestational diabetes mellitus with failure to control blood glucose were randomly assigned to either regimen. Results: Mean time to the control of blood glucose was significantly less and glycemic control significantly increased with the q.i.d regimen. Operative deliveries, extent of neonatal hypoglycemia, babies with low Agpar scores and those with hyperbilirubinemia were significantly higher with the b.i.d daily regimen. Conclusion: The q.i.d daily regime was associated with improved fetal and maternal outcomes. Consequently should increasingly be used in Pakistan, assisted by lower acquisition costs.