Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, still changing

Abstract

Objective: The management of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus places a significant burden on healthcare systems. Significant global changes have been proposed with regard to the diagnosis and management of women with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy. The study aims were to document the contemporary numbers, treatments and outcomes of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, with particular focus on gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Design, subjects and setting: A retrospective audit was performed of pregnant women (n = 278) with diabetes mellitus, managed over a 12-month period in a combined secondary and tertiary unit in South Africa.Results: Of the 278 cases analysed, 60% had gestational and 33% type 2 diabetes mellitus. The perinatal mortality ratio for all diabetes mellitus in pregnancy was 52.6:1 000, with only one early neonatal death. Ninety-five per cent and 70% of women with gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively, were overweight or obese. Chronic hypertension was present in 23% ...