Fifteen women at The Ottawa Hospital took part in an international clinical trial that could change the way mothers with type 1 diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels. Mothers with this condition have a higher risk of having children with health complications, and have to work hard to keep their blood sugar levels on target during pregnancy. Usually blood sugar is monitored with a finger prick done four to eight times a day.

The study published in The Lancet journal compared this technique with wearing a device that measures glucose 288 times per day, letting users adjust their insulin and food intake in real time. Researchers found that women who used the continuous monitor had better blood sugar control and healthier babies less likely to spend time in the intensive care unit.

Co-author Dr. Erin Keely notes that while these findings will likely encourage more health-care providers to suggest continuous glucose monitors, not all insurance plans cover it.