Contraception and diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

The aim of the present narrative review was to discuss data on contraception in diabetes mellitus (DM). Women with DM rarely discuss contraception with their physicians and the latter provide corresponding advice to a very limited number of them. Overall, 1 in 8 women with DM using contraception methods was found to use an ineffective one. A further issue relates to drug-drug interactions between anti-diabetic medication and oral contraceptives. Generally, anti-diabetic agents do not alter the pharmacologic profile of hormonal contraception. Of note, preliminary results indicate that some novel anti-diabetic agents may even render oral contraceptive methods ineffective. Several implants can be also generally applied to women with both DM types. The relationship between oral contraceptives and diabetic complications has not been clarified yet. In general, implants, intra-uterine devices or progestin-only contraceptives are considered a safe option for women with DM. However, short-term use of combined hormonal contraception is also feasible for women without severe complications or risk factors.