From the Guidelines
For pregnant women using the Omnipod 5 insulin pump in automode, the recommended settings should prioritize tight glucose control with a target glucose range of 70-95 mg/dL for fasting and 110-140 mg/dL for one-hour postprandial glucose, as suggested by the ADA-recommended targets 1.
Key Considerations
- The Omnipod 5 settings should be adjusted to achieve these targets safely, considering the individual's risk of hypoglycemia and history of diabetes management.
- Insulin-to-carb ratios may need to be adjusted, potentially increased by 10-20% compared to pre-pregnancy settings, to account for the changing insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.
- Basal rates might require reduction in the first trimester but an increase by 30-50% in the second and third trimesters to accommodate the progressive insulin resistance associated with pregnancy.
- Hypoglycemia protection should be set to the lowest acceptable level to maintain tight control while preventing dangerous lows, emphasizing the importance of balancing tight glucose control with hypoglycemia risk management.
Clinical Application
The clinical application of these recommendations involves regular monitoring and adjustment of Omnipod 5 settings every 1-2 weeks throughout pregnancy, ideally under the guidance of healthcare providers experienced in managing diabetes during pregnancy 1.
Evidence Basis
The evidence from recent studies, such as those published in Diabetes Care 1, emphasizes the importance of achieving and maintaining tight glucose control during pregnancy to prevent complications, while also considering the individual's specific needs and risks.
Practical Guidance
Practically, pregnant women using the Omnipod 5 in automode should work closely with their healthcare team to:
- Set appropriate target glucose values based on ADA recommendations.
- Adjust insulin-to-carb ratios and basal rates as needed throughout pregnancy.
- Monitor glucose levels frequently, especially postprandially, to ensure targets are being met without causing hypoglycemia.
- Regularly review and adjust Omnipod 5 settings to reflect the changing insulin needs during pregnancy, prioritizing both tight glucose control and the prevention of hypoglycemia.
From the Research
Omnipod 5 Settings for Pregnancy on Automode
There are no specific studies that provide recommended Omnipod 5 settings for pregnant women on automode. However, the following general information may be useful:
- The Omnipod 5 is a closed-loop insulin pump system that has been shown to improve glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes 2, 3, 4.
- The system uses a software algorithm to automate insulin delivery based on real-time glucose data from a continuous glucose monitoring system.
- Clinical experience with the Omnipod 5 system has shown that it can be effective in improving glycemic outcomes in a variety of clinical circumstances, including in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes 4.
- However, the optimal settings for the Omnipod 5 system in pregnant women have not been specifically studied, and more research is needed to provide guidance on this topic.
Considerations for Using the Omnipod 5 System in Pregnancy
Some considerations for using the Omnipod 5 system in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes include:
- The need for close monitoring of glucose levels and adjustment of insulin doses to maintain optimal glycemic control 5, 6.
- The potential for changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism during pregnancy, which may require adjustments to the Omnipod 5 system settings.
- The importance of working with a healthcare provider to personalize the Omnipod 5 system settings and optimize glycemic outcomes during pregnancy.