Diabetes Mellitus: Preconception management in primary care

Abstract

Women with diabetes experience adverse risks to their health and the health of their foetuses during pregnancy. This article draws upon research to help primary care nurses advise and care for patients who fall into this category Diabetes mellitus is associated with adverse risks to both pregnant women and their foetuses. These risks include; congenital malformations, stillbirth and miscarriage. The infant is also at risk of developing diabetes mellitus and other health issues in the future. This article provides an overview of diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. Addressing the importance of preconception management and the role general practice nurses have in increasing favourable outcomes, through improving preconception management in primary care. Discussing integrating primary and secondary care to enable continuity of care. Analysing the research on the impact health care professionals conducting educational interventions has on patient's pregnancy outcomes. As well as the use of conventional and digital methods to provide health education on preconception care.