Concern over the safety of contraceptive pills for women with diabetes has been an issue for many years. As many women do take the pill, those who are diabetic need to make an informed choice when it comes to contraception. An increased risk of high blood pressure, along with associated diabetes complications are just some of the fears. But what about thrombosis? Can birth control pills cause thrombosis in women with diabetes?
Contraceptive Pill Types and Their Impact for Diabetics
Although countless brands of contraceptives are available, they all fall into two categories. On one hand, you’ve got the mini pill which only contains progestin, and on the other hand, you’ve got a pill with both progestin and estrogen in it.
Both types only rarely cause a shift in blood glucose levels. However, some women do experience a shift when they first take the contraceptive pill. As a rule, patterns settle down after a short time.
When it comes to diabetes complications, things look a little different, as both types can raise the risk of complications. Chief among them is high blood pressure. But can birth control pills cause thrombosis in women with diabetes?
Relevant Study
In a recent study of nearly 150,000 women with type 1 or 2 diabetes —28% of whom were of a reproductive age— scientists found that the risk of developing a thrombosis due to a contraceptive was low. While the contraceptive patch carried a slight risk, intrauterine and subdermal contraceptives emerged as an excellent choice for diabetic women.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking can birth control pills cause thrombosis in women with diabetes? research suggests that the risks are not significant. When choosing a contraceptive, it’s best to discuss all the issues with your physician. Using all the knowledge on your health, your doctor will make a recommendation and help you to make the right choice.
