THE COPPER T380A INTRAUTERINE-DEVICE IN WOMEN WITH TYPE-II DIABETES-MELLITUS

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the copper T380A int rauterine device (IUD) in women with type II, non-insulin-dependent di abetes mellitus.Methods: From June 1988, 176 women with type II diabet es, in whom the copper T380A IUD was inserted, were followed prospecti vely until: study closure (Tune 1993); termination for pregnancy, expu lsion, or removal for medical or personal reasons; or termination for loss to follow-up. Results: Sixteen women never returned after initial insertion, leaving 160 women who were followed a total of 3066 months , with 117 continuing follow-up after their reexamination visit 6-12 w eeks after insertion. None developed acute salpingitis. The overall re moval rates per 100 woman-years were as follows: for pregnancy, 1.57; for expulsion, 1.96; for discontinuation because of medical reasons (i ncluding pain and bleeding), 4.31; and for personal reasons, 3.91. The continuation rate at the end of 3 years after insertion was 70%. Conc lusion: The copper T380A IUD appears to be safe and effective in women with type II diabetes when standard criteria for IUD insertion are fo llowed.