TABLE 3

Medications, diabetes, and pregnancy

MedicationsaPregnancy categorybLactationFetal exposure
Insulins
Insulin lisproBSafeUnlikely
Insulin aspartBSafeUnlikely
Insulin glulisineCProbably safeUnlikely
RegularBSafeUnlikely
Neutral protamine HagedornBSafeUnlikely
Insulin detemirBSafeUnlikely
Insulin glargineCProbably safeUnlikely
Oral antiglycemics
MetforminBUnsafe, but not contraindicatedCrosses placenta
Second-generation sulfonylurea: glyburideBUnsafe, but not contraindicatedCrosses placenta
First-generation sulfonylureasNot recommended
Antihypertensives
LabetalolCProbably safeCrosses placenta, but acceptable safety profile
Nifedipine (long-acting)CProbably safeCrosses placenta, but acceptable safety profile
MethyldopaBProbably safeCrosses placenta, but acceptable safety profile
DiltiazemCProbably safeCrosses placenta
HydralazineCProbably safeCrosses placenta
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsNot recommended
Angiotensin II receptor blockersNot recommended
Others
Low-dose aspirinNot classified
StatinsX
Folate supplementationA
  • a Other classes of diabetes drugs not listed here, such as thiazolidinediones, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, have not been studied, and as there are very few data on their effects during pregnancy, should probably be avoided.

  • b Category A: Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters). Category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Category X: Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.

  • Adapted from information in references 9, 16, and 18.