Medical conditions can develop in pregnancy, such as Gestational Diabetes (GDM), or pregnancy may exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions such as PreGestational Diabetes (PGDM). Diabetes is the most common significant medical condition to affect pregnant women with up to 12% of pregnancies in Ireland affected by diabetes. This article aims to briefly outline diabetes in pregnancy and look at advances in the management of diabetes in pregnancy.
Pre-Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) occurs in 1-2% of all pregnancies, with rates of new diabetes diagnosis rising in women of child bearing age. PGDM confers significantly greater risk for both the mother and developing fetus but by providing comprehensive Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) care this can help reduce adverse outcomes. Rates of pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, caesarean section, congenital malformation and perinatal mortality are well established to be increased in this group compared to women without glucose abnormalities. We also see greater evidence of vascular disease e.g. nephropathy, retinopathy and hypertension in this cohort of women which further increases the risks of pregnancy complications.
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