Maternal pregestational diabetes as an factor in the genesis of congenital malformations of the fetus

Abstract

This review article summarizes the results of modern clinical studies performed domestically or abroad, which provide information on maternal pregestational diabetes (type 1 or 2) shaping a spectrum of congenital malformations of the fetus. Advances in the treatment of diabetes mellitus have reduced the risk of fetal congenital malformations in pregnant women with the disease, but an increase in its incidence among women of childbearing age indicates that this cause of congenital malformations is becoming more relevant every year. This review article presents four diabetes-mediated pathways for the genesis of fetal congenital malformations: those associated with metabolic imbalance or oxidative stress, genetically mediated and caused by insufficient inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, based on clinical studies and meta-analysis over the past ten years, it has been demonstrated that women with pregestational diabetes mellitus are at the highest risk of developing fetal congenital malformations. Achievement of diabetes compensation and physiological nutritional status in such patients determines the favorable course of all stages of pregnancy.