### Benefits and Risks of Taking Metformin During Pregnancy for Women with Type 2 Diabetes A new study suggests that women with type 2 diabetes who take insulin to manage their blood sugar may see improvements in their health and pregnancy outcomes when they also take metformin. The study, published in October 2020 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, found that metformin can help lower fasting blood sugar levels, reduce insulin usage, and result in less weight gain during pregnancy. Additionally, women taking metformin were less likely to require a cesarean delivery and less likely to have a baby that was large for its gestational age. However, the study also found that metformin increased the risk of having a baby that was small for its gestational age. About 13% of women on metformin had small babies compared to 7% on placebo. Therefore, it is important for women to work with their doctors to weigh the benefits and risks of taking metformin during pregnancy. The American Diabetes Association recommends metformin only for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes who don’t achieve good blood sugar control with insulin. This is because metformin can cross the placenta and its long-term effects on the baby are not well understood. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, and preterm birth. Therefore, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial. In summary, while metformin can offer several benefits during pregnancy for women with type 2 diabetes, it also carries risks that need to be carefully considered with the help of a healthcare provider.