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Published in:

01-09-2010 | Review Article

Pregnancy complicated by diabetes: what is the best level of HbA1c for conception?

Authors: Annunziata Lapolla, Maria Grazia Dalfrà, Domenico Fedele

Published in: Acta Diabetologica | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

To reduce the congenital malformations that occur in pregnancies complicated by diabetes, it is essential to achieve and maintain a good metabolic control before conception. In this context, measuring HbA1c is considered as the gold standard for monitoring metabolic control in diabetes and various different HbA1c levels have been recommended as optimal in the preconception period for diabetic women planning a pregnancy. An analysis of key studies published on this issue until now clearly shows that HbA1c levels correlate closely with the occurrence of congenital malformations and other neonatal complications characteristic of pregnant diabetic women. HbA1c is therefore one of the key markers to use in monitoring metabolic control, and the most reasonable approach would seem to be to use a standardized measurement method and aim for HbA1c levels resembling normal values as closely as possible, with a view to preventing episodes of hypoglycemia.

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Title: Pregnancy complicated by diabetes: what is the best level of HbA1c for conception?
Authors: Annunziata Lapolla
Maria Grazia Dalfrà
Domenico Fedele
Publication date: 01-09-2010
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Acta Diabetologica / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0940-5429
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5233
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00592-010-0199-z

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