Management of pregnancy complicated by diabetes — Maternal glycaemic control during pregnancy and neonatal management

Abstract 

Pre-existing diabetes is one of the commonest medical conditions complicating pregnancy in the UK, and is associated with increased perinatal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is increasing in the UK and worldwide, and management strategies to optimise health outcomes for mother and baby are of utmost importance. Since 2001, a number of United Kingdom national guidelines have been published which make clear recommendations for optimal maternal glycaemic control before and during pregnancy and for neonatal management. However, there is evidence that these recommendations are not being consistently achieved within the UK and some of the specific challenges are highlighted in this chapter.

Keywords: Diabetes, Pregnancy, Glycaemic control, Neonatal hypoglycaemia, Neonatal morbidity, Blood glucose monitoring, Breastfeeding