DIABETES IN PREGNANCY

Objective: To determine whether there is an association between the le vel of glycemic control and perinatal complications in pregnant diabet ic patients. Methods: Two hundred sixty confirmed cases of pre-existin g diabetes, gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were a nalyzed to assess risk factors, modality of treatment, level of blood sugar control and effect on perinatal morbidity and mortality. Results : Risk factors for the development of diabetes included age (> 25 year s), East Indian ethnic origin, glycosuria, and a history of diabetes i n a first-degree relative. Treatment consisted of diet alone or in com bination with soluble insulin. There is a marked increase in perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity if normoglycemia is not maintained. Conclusions: A greater emphasis must be placed on the detection of dia betes in pregnancy and effective treatment should be instituted as ear ly as possible to achieve normoglycemia if associated complications ar e to be reduced.