Diabetes in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is an association between the level of glycemic control and perinatal complications in pregnant diabetic patients.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty confirmed cases of pre-existing diabetes, gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were analyzed to assess risk factors, modality of treatment, level of blood sugar control and effect on perinatal morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Risk factors for the development of diabetes included age ( > 25 years), East Indian ethnic origin, glycosuria, and a history of diabetes in a first-degree relative. Treatment consisted of diet alone or in combination with soluble insulin. There is a marked increase in perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity if normoglycemia is not maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

A greater emphasis must be placed on the detection of diabetes in pregnancy and effective treatment should be instituted as early as possible to achieve normoglycemia if associated complications are to be reduced.