At the Joslin Clinic diuretic agents are an integral part of the regimen used in the treatment of pregnant diabetics to prevent the formation of polyhydramnios. Chlorothiazide ( 6-chloro-7-sulfamyl-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1, 1-dioxide ) markedly alters the renal excretion of sodium, chloride, and potassium and is a potent diuretic. The question was raised as to whether chlorothiazide, being a sulfonamide, affected insulin requirement. The present study was undertaken to determine any such effect in pregnant diabetic women.
Materials and Methods of Study
The use of chlorothiazide in this diabetic population was begun early in 1958. It has subsequently been used in the treatment of 61 female diabetics throughout the course of their pregnancy. Many other patients were given chlorothiazide at some time during their pregnancy, but these women were eliminated from this study.The average patient was seen initially in the ninth week and then weekly throughout the course of pregnancy. Chlorothiazide therapy was begun