A practical guide to pregnancy complicated by diabetes

As the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, so the number of pregnancies complicated by preexisting diabetes or gestational diabetes is also rising. This presents a challenge to healthcare services in the UK to prevent adverse outcomes in babies born to mothers with diabetes. Clinicians in primary care have an important role to play, particularly in delivering preconception care for women with these conditions. This article discusses the pathophysiology and treatment of both gestational and pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy and outlines the ideal pre-conception care pathway, as well as antenatal and obstetric care.