Medical complications of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

• Published in: Clinical obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 43; no. 1; p. 17
• Main Authors: Rosenn, B M, Miodovnik, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.2000
• Subjects: Coronary Disease - etiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - complications; Diabetic Angiopathies - etiology; Diabetic Nephropathies - etiology; Diabetic Neuropathies - etiology; Diabetic Retinopathy - etiology; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemia - embryology; Hypoglycemia - etiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics - complications; Pregnancy Outcome
• DOI: 10.1097/00003081-200003000-00003
• ISSN: 0009-9201

Many women with diabetes develop complications of their chronic disease that may have a tremendous impact on their quality of life and their ultimate prognosis. Because Type 1 diabetes often begins at a very early age, it is quite common for women in their child-bearing years to be affected by these complications. As described in this article, diabetic complications and pregnancy may significantly affect each other, but it is not always easy to predict the course of either and to counsel these patients accordingly. Nevertheless, it appears that only in rare occasions should women with diabetes be advised against pregnancy, and that in most situations, with careful and knowledgeable management, a favorable outcome of pregnancy can be expected both for the mother and her infant.