Navigating Automated Insulin Delivery for Type 1 Diabetes Management During Pregnancy

Abstract

Achieving pregnancy-specific glucose targets is difficult in pregnant individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the rates of complications for mothers and their infants remain high. Currently marketed automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems in which basal insulin delivery (with or without automated correction boluses) is driven by algorithms, and users are required to initiate meal boluses. For non-pregnant people with T1D, HCL therapy has established benefits for glycemic outcomes and quality of life. While none of the currently available HCL systems were designed for pregnancy-specific glucose targets and outcomes, preliminary data suggest that the use of HCL systems may result in improved glycemia during pregnancy. There is an accumulating body of literature examining HCL systems in pregnancy, although there are still limited data regarding the impact of HCL systems on perinatal outcomes. Many individuals conceive while using clinically available HCL systems and may be hesitant to discontinue use during pregnancy, and clinicians may consider HCL therapy for pregnant individuals who are struggling to meet recommended glycemic levels during pregnancy. We therefore offer guidance on how to counsel patients on the risks and benefits of HCL therapy in pregnancy, how to identify appropriate candidates for HCL therapy in pregnancy, and how to manage commercially available HCL systems off-label throughout gestation.