Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy

Abstract

Proper therapy in pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus affords the physician an opportunity that is unparalleled in immediate impact and over-all therapeutic dimension for his or her patient. The immediate survival of the mother can be virtually assured and that of the unborn child brought close to that of the child of the nondiabetic gravida. Further, the benefit of this care extends considerably beyond these traditional clinical targets. Such relatively remote events as intellectual and psychologic performance in offspring from these pregnancies may be jeopardized by inadequate attention to details of medical management during pregnancy. Lastly, an opportunity is presented to both physician and patient to beneficially influence future diabetes therapy. The intense motivation of the mother, together with her positive experiences, can be channeled to promote an enduring attitudinal and behavioral approach to future