Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy.

Physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy are diabetogenic. If diabetes does not exist before pregnancy, it may become evident, and if diabetes pre-exists, it becomes aggravated. The changing insulin requirements and propensity for ketoacidosis require weekly visits and careful urine testing on a daily basis by the mother. In addition, microvascular complications of diabetes must be carefully monitored. Delivery is planned progressively early in the pregnancy according to diabetic class. Hospitalization is necessary one week before anticipated delivery. Urinary estriol tests, OCT, amniocentesis, and ultrasound are all helpful in managing the pregnancy. Delivery of the fetus and placenta results in a profound fall in the insulin requirement. The neonate should be carefully observed during the first few days of life because of the increased frequency of complications.