Authors: Drs. Veronika Duwel(1,2), dr. R. IJzerman(2,3), prof. dr. R. Painter(4,5), Dr. Sarah E. Siegelaar(1,2).

Affiliations: 1) Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 2) Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 3) Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 4) Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 5) Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Contact email: v.duwel@amsterdamumc.nl

Introduction:

Living with diabetes poses significant challenges, particularly for women planning pregnancy or already pregnant. In the Netherlands, approximately 800 women with pre-existent diabetes become pregnant annually, requiring strict glucose control to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite advancements in diabetes technology, many struggle to achieve recommended glucose targets, facing increased risks of maternal and neonatal complications such as congenital malformations, stillbirth, preterm birth, or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, compared to women without diabetes.

Methods:

A prospective registry cohort will be established to measure pregnancy outcomes among women with pre-existent diabetes in the Netherlands. This national initiative will assess incidence rates, pre-pregnancy care, and technology uptake, comparing outcomes to women without diabetes. The study will utilize comprehensive data collection methods, including patient records, healthcare provider reports, and other existing databases to track maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes.

Results:

This project commenced in July 2024 and aims to have national coverage by the end of 2026. Initial findings will include preconception and pregnancy care practices, glucose regulation, incidence rates of complications, and uptake of use of diabetes technology among pregnant women with diabetes.

Discussion:

This is a first database around pregnancy and women with diabetes in the Netherlands and a second one worldwide, after United Kingdom. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of diabetes management during pregnancy in the Netherlands and develop personalized treatment strategies for women with diabetes.

Conclusion:

By establishing a national registry the project aims to optimize pregnancy care and improve pregnancy related health outcomes for women with diabetes in the Netherlands. This registry will enable targeted interventions and education initiatives to enhance the quality of care and ultimately reduce the burden of diabetes-related complications during pregnancy. This project is funded by the Dutch Diabetes Foundation (Diabetesfonds).