Eureka! Institutional Repository

Diabetes mellitus is the most common disease that complicates pregnancy. The incidence of type 1 and typ e 2 diabetes mellitus increases dramatically so the best care in diabetic mother emerges as a major medical and social issue. Diabetic pregnancy is often accompanied by complications involving both the mother and the neonate. These complications are associ ated with poor metabolic regulation and inadequate perinatal care. Programs of prenatal counseling and contraception can decrease those complications and minimize unplanned pregnancies. The American Diabetes Association recommends the inclusion of diabetic pregnant women seeking prenatal care in a group with the aim of education, monitoring and counseling. The main objective remains the achievement of optimal metabolic regulation which will minimize fetal complications and keep mothers updated concerning th e interaction between maternal diabetes pregnancy, diabetes control and stress management. The corner stones of this program should be glycemic control before and after lunch, the execution of an appropriate nutritional program and self adjustment of ins ulin dose. Moreover, great importance should also be given to handle special situations such as hypoglycemia, as well as inform about the impact of pregnancy on existing mother complications (hypertension, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, cardiovascul ar disease). Prenatal counseling of women with type 2 diabetes is essential because the increasing rates of obesity worldwide lead to an increasing number of women of reproductive age with this type of diabetes. According to studies, women with type 2 diab etes are seeking prenatal counseling at lower rate in relation to type 1 diabetes patients. Nutritional counseling regarding mild weight loss, adjustment of medication for both diabetes and coexisting hypertension or dyslipidemia are necessary measures for type 2 diabetic women should be the strongest incentive given: the birth of a healthy child.