Contraception in diabetic women

Abstract

In diabetic women investigations have been performed covering the clinical consequences of intrauterine contraception and the influence on glucose and lipid metabolism of oral contraceptives. Insertion of copper-T intrauterine contraceptive devices in insulin-dependent diabetic women resulted in accidental pregnancy rates and total continuation rates after 12 months which were at the same levels as in non-diabetic women. No differences were observed in the maximum depth of corrosion or in the constitution of the corrosion products. The glucose tolerance as well as the serum lipoprotein levels remained unchanged when low-dose hormonal compounds were administered to women with a previous gestational diabetes. In insulin-dependent diabetic women it was found, that the use of oral contraceptives containing natural oestrogen may not give rise to difficulties with the diabetes control or disturbance in the lipid metabolism.