Living With T1D/August 16, 2026/2 min read

Metformin in Pregnancy With Type 1 Diabetes: What Early Data Shows

A small Australian study suggests metformin may help pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes achieve better blood sugar control. Researchers say the findings warrant further investigation.

PubMed indexed literature

Evidence label explains the kind of source behind this article (for example peer-reviewed literature vs community video). It is not medical advice.

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Key takeaways

Metformin, traditionally used for Type 2 diabetes, is being studied as an added therapy alongside insulin in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes
In this case series, metformin was linked to more time spent in target blood sugar range and less glucose variability
This is early evidence from a small group of patients—not yet proof that metformin is safe or effective for pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes
Any consideration of metformin in pregnancy requires discussion with your diabetes and obstetric care team

An Overlooked Question in T1D Pregnancy

Managing blood sugar during pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes is challenging. Insulin resistance naturally increases as pregnancy progresses, requiring frequent adjustments to insulin doses. Pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes also face stricter blood sugar targets to protect both mother and baby.

Metformin—a medication commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes—has been studied in some pregnant populations, but its role in Type 1 diabetes pregnancy has been largely unexplored. A new case series from Australia offers the first documented experience of metformin used alongside insulin in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes who used continuous glucose monitors.

What the Study Found

Researchers at multiple centers in Australia observed pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes who were taking metformin in addition to their insulin therapy. They tracked blood sugar outcomes using continuous glucose monitoring data.

The results showed two encouraging patterns: women using metformin spent more time with their blood sugar in the target range, and they experienced less fluctuation in glucose levels throughout the day. These measures—time in range and reduced variability—are both important markers of stable blood sugar control during pregnancy.

Important Limitations and Next Steps

This was a case series, meaning it documents the experiences of a small group of patients rather than comparing a metformin group to a control group. While the observations are encouraging, they do not prove that metformin is safe or effective for all pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes.

The researchers note that evidence on metformin in Type 1 diabetes pregnancy remains limited. Much more research—including larger controlled trials—would be needed to establish whether metformin could become a standard option, and to ensure it poses no risks to pregnancy outcomes or the developing baby.

If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes, any discussion about adding metformin should happen with both your endocrinologist and obstetrician. This early evidence alone does not change current treatment recommendations.

Evidence label

Source: Internal medicine journal. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.

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