Is Pregnancy a Risk Factor for Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy and Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes? A Matched Cohort Study

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the development or deterioration of nephropathy and retinopathy over time is not affected by pregnancy in women with pregestational type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Prospective, observational study of nephropathy and retinopathy follow-up during pregnancy and in a subsequent period of 2 years in a group of pregnant women with T1DM (study group) that we compared with pair-matched non-pregnant women with T1DM (control group) who underwent similar intensive follow-up.The rate of renal microvascular complications was similar at entry, 17.4% (4/23) in the study group and 21.7% (5/23) in the control group. At the last visit, both groups had nephropathy rates of 17.4% (4/23) and paired <i>p</i>-value of 1.00. Similarly, the rate of retinal microvascular complications of any grade was similar in both groups and remained so at the last follow-up examination.Pregnancy per se does not appear to increase the risk for the development of, or the acceleration of the progression of retinopathy and nephropathy during a follow-up of at least 2 years in relatively healthy T1DM patients. This information is important for counseling young women with T1DM who are considering becoming pregnant. · Retinopathy and nephropathy are major complications of T1DM.. · Pregnancy per se does not appear to cause major microvascular complications in T1DM.. · Pregnancy per se does not appear to aggravate retinopathy in T1DM..