| Abstract: | Oral contraceptive users suffering from diabetes mellitus experience different side effects from other women. The reliability of the pill is also different. 2 studies demonstrated a connection between fatal or nonfatal heart attacks in young women suffering from diabetes mellitus who also were taking the pill. Lower estrogen pills were found to have fewer side effects for this group. The same is true for lower gestagens. 4 pregnancies occurred out of 118 women aged 18-24 with diabetes mellitus type 1 and using IUDs. No pregnancies occurred in the 2nd year. IUD complaints and removals over a 2-year period were the same in the control group of 914 women not suffering from diabetes mellitus. In 1980, much was made of the fact that 11 out of 30 women suffering from diabetes mellitus using IUDs became pregnant within 1 year. IUDs were removed, showing 40% more sulphur chloride, but no copper deterioration. These findings were not conclusive, and there was no reason to advise women suffering from diabetes mellitus against using IUDs. The chances of side effects from the pill and IUD are the same for women who do not suffer from diabetes mellitus. If there is no preference between pill or the IUD, the latter is advised. Only women suffering from diabetes mellitus cannot quit smoking will be advised against using the pill. Patients wishing to become pregnant should consult their doctors so that IUDs can be removed. |
