Diabetes and Pregnancy

Diabetes affects at least 3 percent of pregnant women and in some areas in the world the percentage is much higher. Furthermore, the incidence of diabetes increases worldwide. Diabetes during pregnancy affects both the mother and the fetus, it is therefore necessary on the one hand to have pre-existing diabetes under control before and during pregnancy, and on the other hand to screen for gestational diabetes and if necessary to treat. During pregnancy and labour optimal fetal and maternal surveillance is important and the newborn needs close supervision. Recently it has been shown that the intra-uterine environment can have a transgenerational effect on the offspring, indicating the importance of achieving normal fetal growth. Major progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes and pregnancy; animal research remains important to explore further the underlying mechanisms.