Pregnancy in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is well-known to be linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Although advancements in diabetes technology, especially hybrid closed-loop (HCL) and advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) systems, have greatly enhanced management for nonpregnant individuals with T1D, pregnant patients still represent a high-risk group that requires further research. Existing trials have shown mixed data in terms of clinically meaningful benefits in glycemic control, but these may be specific to the closed-loop system. Currently, there is one AHCL system approved and available for use in pregnancies complicated by diabetes in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. However, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved closed-loop systems for use during pregnancy in the United States. Existing HCL/AHCL system use is off-label for pregnancy in the United States and often requires assistive techniques to target the tighter glucose levels needed during pregnancy. For patients struggling on multiple daily injections (MDIs) or sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT), studies have shown that HCL/AHCLs can reduce the burden of care and enable some people to achieve tighter glucose levels. This review aims to provide an overview of the existing evidence of closed-loop systems in pregnancies complicated by T1D and to discuss their implications and considerations with system use.

The consensus in the literature supports the need for careful monitoring and management of maternal blood glucose during labor to optimize neonatal outcomes. Guidelines generally recommend strict control of maternal blood glucose during labor, involving frequent checks, and the use of dextrose and insulin as needed. However, recent evidence has not consistently shown a strong association between strict control of blood glucose and a reduction in the rate of neonatal hypoglycemia. This raises questions about the extent to which intrapartum blood glucose control impacts neonatal hypoglycemia. This review aims to explore the literature on intrapartum maternal blood glucose management in individuals with pregestational or gestational diabetes, utilizing peer-reviewed journals and datasets, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinical guidelines. Observational studies, small sample sizes, variability in definitions of maternal hyperglycemia and neonatal hypoglycemia, and differences in measurement methods such as timing and thresholds for intervention limit the literature on this topic. Additionally, many studies may not fully account for confounding factors such as maternal body mass index, diet, and other comorbidities affecting blood glucose levels. These limitations underscore the need for a cautious interpretation of current findings and highlight the necessity for future research in this area. This review elaborates on the available data and summarizes evidence on managing labor in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. We also emphasize the need for further research to clarify the relationship between maternal blood glucose during labor and neonatal blood glucose. KEY POINTS: · The benefits of strict intrapartum blood glucose control are unclear.. · The optimal maternal blood glucose range to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia remains undefined.. · Additional research is necessary to understand the relationship between maternal and neonatal blood glucose..

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic disorder in infants, and may be influenced by maternal glycaemic control. This systematic review evaluated the effect of intrapartum maternal glycaemic control on neonatal hypoglycaemia.

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-randomised studies of interventions, and cohort or case-control studies that examined interventions affecting intrapartum maternal glycaemic control compared to no or less stringent control. We searched four databases and three trial registries to November 2023. Quality assessments used Cochrane Risk of Bias 1 or the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models analysed separately for women with or without diabetes. The review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42022364876).

We included 46 studies of women with diabetes and five studies of women without diabetes: one RCT, 32 cohort and 18 case-control studies (11,273 participants). For women with diabetes, the RCT showed little to no difference in the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia between tight versus less tight intrapartum glycaemic control groups (76 infants, RR 1.00 (0.45, 2.24), p = 1.00, low certainty evidence). However, 11 cohort studies showed tight intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia (6,152 infants, OR 0.44 (0.31, 0.63), p < 0.00001, I2 = 58%, very low certainty evidence). For women without diabetes, there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of tight intrapartum glycaemic control on neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Very uncertain evidence suggests that tight intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia in infants of women with diabetes. High-quality RCTs are required.

Evidence regarding the type and rate of intravenous (IV) fluid administration during labor is still inconclusive and the studies assessing the impact of IV fluids had mixed results.

To evaluate the effects of IV fluids at an infusion rate of 250 mL/h as compared with 125 mL/h on labor outcomes in nulliparous women.

We searched six databases for relevant studies through a search strategy containing the relevant keywords "IV hydration", "IV fluids", and "labor" from the inception of these databases to May 1, 2023, without any applied restrictions.

Search results were imported to Covidence for screening of eligible articles for this review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of IV fluids at 250 mL/h on the outcomes of labor in nulliparous women at term (>37 weeks) as compared with 125 mL/h were included only.

Data regarding the characteristics of included studies, participant's baseline characteristics, and concerned outcomes were collected in an Excel spreadsheet and all the concerned outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the meta-analysis models using RevMan 5.4.

Pooled data from 11 RCTs with 1815 patients showed that 250 mL/h infusion rate had a significant reduction in cesarean section rate (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56-0.88, P = 0.002), the first stage of labor duration (MD -46.97, 95% CI -81.79 to -12.14, P = 0.008), the second stage of labor duration (MD -2.69, 95% CI -4.34 to -1.05, P = 0.001), prolonged labor incidence (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.89, P = 0.003), as compared with 125 mL/h. Also, the vaginal delivery rate (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12, P = 0.009) was higher with a 250 mL/h infusion rate.

IV fluids at an infusion rate of 250 mL/h during labor in nulliparous women decreased the cesarean delivery rate, increased the vaginal delivery rate, shortened the first and second-stage labor duration, decreased the incidence of prolonged labor as compared with 125 mL/h. These findings suggest enhanced labor progression and a lower risk of labor complications with higher infusion rates. However, future research involving a more diverse population and exploring the potential benefits of combining IV infusion rates with other interventions, such as adding dextrose or less restrictive oral intake during labor, is needed.

Pre-gestational diabetes can pose significant risk to the mother and infant, thus requiring careful counselling and management. Since Saint Vincent's declaration in 1989, adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preeclampsia, perinatal mortality, congenital anomalies, and macrosomia, continue to be associated with type 1 diabetes. Although pregnancy is not considered an independent risk factor for the development of new onset microvascular complications, it is known to exacerbate pre-existing microvascular disease. Strict glycaemic control is the optimal management for pre-existing type 1 diabetes in pregnancy, as raised HbA1C is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. More recently, time in range on Continuous Glucose Monitoring glucose profiles has emerged as another useful evidence-based marker of fetal outcomes.

This review summarises the complications associated with pre-gestational type 1 diabetes, appropriate evidence-based management, including preparing for pregnancy, intrapartum and postpartum care.

A structured search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles about complications and management guidelines on pre-gestational type 1 diabetes were selected and critically appraised.

One hundred and twenty-three manuscripts were referenced and appraised in this review, and international guidelines were summarised.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recurring themes in the literature pertaining to type 1 diabetes in pregnancy: maternal and fetal complications, microvascular disease progression, and an overview of current guideline-specific management.

To compare the rate of neonatal hypoglycemia among newborns delivered by individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in two clinical scenarios: who attempted vaginal delivery vs. had a planned cesarean delivery (CD); who had intrapartum insulin infusion vs. who did not.

This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals with insulin-treated T2DM who had non-anomalous singleton pregnancy and delivered at a single tertiary center (March 2012 and May 2018). Individuals with chronic renal failure, proliferative retinopathy, or major congenital anomalies were excluded. The primary outcome was neonatal hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 40 mg/dl <24 h of age or < 50 mg/dl >24 h of age). Secondary outcomes included neonatal outcomes. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to examine the association between groups and the primary outcome. Adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Of 233 individuals with T2DM, 215 (92.2%) met the inclusion criteria, of whom 95 (44%) attempted vaginal delivery and 120 (56%) had a planned CD. Individuals who labored had a higher gestational age at delivery (36.6 vs. 35.8 weeks, p = .005), and higher blood glucose levels upon admission (125 vs 103, p < .001) compared to those with a planned CD. After adjustment for potential confounders, there was no difference in risk of neonatal hypoglycemia between the groups (41.2 vs 44.1%, aRR 1.05, 95% CI = 0.75-1.45). Among those who attempted vaginal delivery, 34 (35.8%) required insulin infusion. There was no difference in the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (aRR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.45-1.37) between newborns delivered by individuals who required insulin infusion and those who did not.

Over 40% of newborns delivered by individuals with insulin-dependent T2DM had hypoglycemia; however, there was no significant difference in the risk of hypoglycemia, irrespective of the route of delivery and the use of insulin infusion.

These guidelines deal with the parturient wellbeing in terms of hydration and regional and systemic pain management during labour.

Guidelines were established based on literature analysis and experts consensus.

Clear liquids consumption is permitted all along labor and postpartum, without volume limitation, in patients at low risk of general anesthesia (grade B). The consumption of solid foods is not recommended during the active stage of labor (consensus agreement). It is recommended to promote on regional analgesia to prevent inhalation (grade A). Pain relief using regional analgesia is a part of normal childbirth. It is recommended to provide regional analgesia to parturient who wish these technics. Regional analgesia is the safest and most effective analgesic method for the mother (grade A) and the child (grade B). It is recommended to inform women on the analgesic technics, to respect their choice and consider the right for a parturient to change her strategy in obstetrical circumstances or in cases of untractable pain (consensus agreement). It is recommended to perform a "low-dose" regional analgesia that respects the experience of childbirth (grade A) and maintain it with a patient controlled epidural analgesia technics (grade A). There is no minimum cervical dilation to allow epidural analgesia (grade A). In cases of rapid labor or after delivery for revision, spinal or combined spinal epidural can be used (grade C). Epidural has not to be ended before birth (consensus agreement). Blood pressure and fetal heart rate must be monitored every 3minutes after induction and/or each 10mL bolus then hourly (consensus agreement). Systematic and preventive fluid loading is not needed if only due to regional analgesia (grade B). Deambulation or postures are allowed in the absence of motor block and must be traced and do not alter the distribution of the regional analgesia (grade C). The postures of childbirth do not alter regional analgesia spread (NP2). There is no effect low dose regional analgesia on the duration of obstetric labor, nor the rate of instrumental births or caesarean section (NP1). Systematic use of oxytocin due to epidural analgesia is neither useful nor recommended (AE). Regional analgesia has no side effect on the fetus or newborn (NP1). If regional analgesia is contraindicated or during the waiting time, alternatives analgesic drugs (entonox, nalbuphine and tramadol or pudendal block) can be used but their analgesic efficiency remains mediocre to moderate and they are associated with adverse maternal and especially neonatal side effects (NP2). Remifentanil, ketamine and volatile anesthetics are excluded from these recommendations.

The present guidelines were established to update wellbeing of normal parturient during normal labor: hydration is recommended and low dose patient-controlled regional (epidural and spinal) analgesia is the most effective and safest analgesic method.

A good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy with diabetes decreases the risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes of the mothers and their offsprings. Insulin treatment remains the gold standard treatment recommended for any type of diabetes. New technologies including new insulins and insulin analogues, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion without and with sensors, the low-glucose predictive suspension function, and closed-loop systems that persistently and automatically self-adjust according to patients' continuous glucose monitoring readings have expanded the offer to clinicians for achieving tight glucose control.

Unsafe effects of insulin and insulin analogues in pregnancy with diabetes could be linked with changes in insulin immunogenicity, teratogenicity, and mitogenicity. Second-generation insulin analogues need to be tested and proven. Effectiveness and safety of new insulin delivery systems in real life of diabetic women in pregnancy need further confirmations.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, randomized controlled trials, systematic review and meta-analysis, observational prospective and retrospective studies, case series reports for the most recent insulin analogues, published in English impacted journals, and consensus statements from scientific societies I excluded 60 from 221 papers as not suitable for the purpose of the subject.

Subcutaneous insulin infusion can be safely used during pregnancy and delivery of well-trained women. Sensors are increasingly accurate tools that improve the efficacy and safety of integrated systems' functioning. Continuous glucose monitoring provides metrics ("time in range" time in "hypoglycemia" and in "hyperglycemia," glucose variability, average glucose levels in different time intervals) used as a guide to diabetes management; these new metrics are object of discussion in special populations. Randomized controlled trials have shown that sensor-augmented pump therapy improves pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes. Closed-loop insulin delivery provides better glycemic control than sensor-augmented pump therapy during pregnancy, before, and after delivery.

Second-generation insulin analogues and newer insulin infusion systems that automatically self-adjust according to patients continuous glucose monitor readings are important tools improving the treatment and quality of life of these women. Multi-institutional and disciplinary teams are working to develop and evaluate a pregnancy-specific artificial pancreas.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder occurring in pregnancy. GDM plays an important role in the current diabetes epidemic: exposure to a high glycemic environment during the early stages of development increases the risk of the fetus to develop type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adult life. Various cardiometabolic risk factors are linked to GDM. A thorough knowledge of the risk factors and genes involved in the development of GDM, along with an understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are crucial to properly identify patients at risk of developing this condition. There is growing evidence showing that myo-inositol, combined with an appropriate therapeutic regimen for GDM, can provide additional benefits to the patient. The aim of this review is to analyze the role of inositol isomers - especially myo-inositol (MYO-INS) - in the treatment of patients with GDM.

In women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), pregnancy is associated with a potential risk of maternal, foetal and neonatal outcomes. Stringent metabolic control is required to improve these outcomes.

In this review, the authors summarise the current evidence from studies on the pharmacological therapy and on monitoring of T1DM during pregnancy. The authors also discuss the use of new technologies to improve therapeutic management and patient compliance.

Pre-conception counselling is essential in T1DM to minimise pregnancy risks. Pregnancy in T1DM is always considered a high-risk pregnancy. During pregnancy, the target haemoglobin A1C (HbA_1c) is near-normal at <6%, without excessive hypoglycaemia. Strict control of pre- and post-prandial glucose is also required. Human soluble insulin, neutral protamine Hagedorn and the quick-acting insulin analogues aspart and lispro are widely used. Insulin is administered either as a basal-bolus regimen or by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Careful and strict glucose monitoring is also needed during labour and delivery, including caesarean section. Moreover, the control of retinopathy, hypertension, nephropathy, hyper- and hypothyroidism is required. Post-partum, insulin requirements decrease, and less stringent glycaemic control is pursued, to avoid hypoglycaemias. Finally, breastfeeding is recommended and should be encouraged.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of hyperglycaemia that is recognized for the first time during pregnancy. This definition includes cases of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) identified early in pregnancy and true GDM which develops later. GDM constitutes a greater impact on diabetes epidemic as it carries a major risk of developing T2DM to the mother and foetus later in life. In addition, GDM has also been linked with cardiometabolic risk factors such as lipid abnormalities, hypertensive disorders and hyperinsulinemia. These might result in later development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The understanding of the different risk factors, the pathophysiological mechanisms and the genetic factors of GDM, will help us to identify the women at risk, to develop effective preventive measures and to provide adequate management of the disease. Clinical trials have shown that T2DM can be prevented in women with prior GDM, by intensive lifestyle modification and by using pioglitazone and metformin. However, a matter of controversy surrounding both screening and management of GDM continues to emerge, despite several recent well-designed clinical trials tackling these issues. The aim of this manuscript is to critically review GDM in a detailed and comprehensive manner, in order to provide a scientific analysis and updated write-up of different related aspects.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly common obstetrical problem. Due to the global escalation in the prevalence of obesity, as many as 15 % of pregnant women may soon be classified as having GDM. While often not diagnosed until late gestation, GDM is now recognized as a disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance that begins early in pregnancy. Recent large randomized trials have clarified the risk of maternal and neonatal complications caused by GDM, as well as the potential to ameliorate these risks. There is significant interest in the potential to reduce the risk for developing GDM in obese women through the performance of bariatric surgery (BS) before pregnancy. BS significantly reduces the risk for GDM, preeclampsia, and large neonates. However, it seems that the risk for small neonates and preterm delivery is increased. No significant differences are observed in regard to cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, or perinatal mortality. In this article, we address the effects of GDM on the mother and child, and explore the risks and benefits of BS in the obstetrical population.

To determine if the intrapartum use of a 5% glucose-containing intravenous solution decreases the chance of a cesarean delivery for women presenting in active labor.

This was a multi-center, prospective, single (patient) blind, randomized study design implemented at four obstetric residency programs in Pennsylvania. Singleton, term, consenting women presenting in active spontaneous labor with a cervical dilation of <6 cm were randomized to lactated Ringer's with or without 5% glucose (LR versus D5LR) as their maintenance intravenous fluid. The primary outcome was the cesarean birth rate. Secondary outcomes included labor characteristics, as well as maternal or neonatal complications.

There were 309 women analyzed. Demographic variables and admitting cervical dilation were similar among study groups. There was no significant difference in the cesarean delivery rate for the D5LR group (23/153 or 15.0%) versus the LR arm (18/156 or 11.5%), [RR (95% CI) of 1.32 (0.75, 2.35), p = 0.34]. There were no differences in augmentation rates or intrapartum complications.

The use of intravenous fluid containing 5% dextrose does not lower the chance of cesarean delivery for women admitted in active labor.

Spinal anaesthesia is a suitable choice for emergency LSCS (lower segment caesarian section). High spinal is common in parturients. We report a case of 25-year-old primigravida with cephalo pelvic disproportion coming for emergency LSCS with no comorbidities. The patient became unresponsive after 5 min of Sub Arachnoid Block (SAB), managed as a case of high spinal. Still the patient remained unresponsive at the end of surgery, 50 min after SAB. Patient started responding to oral commands after correction of hypoglycemia with 25% dextrose infusion.

To investigate the effects of uncomplicated vaginal delivery and epidural analgesia on fetal acid-base parameters in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) compared with controls.

A retrospective case-control study of 142 women with gestational diabetes and 284 controls. To evaluate the effect of diabetes and analgesia on acid-base status correcting for potential confounders we used ordered logistic equations including quartiles of fetal arterial acid-base parameters collected at birth as outcomes and categories of diabetes and epidural analgesia as explanatory variables.

In the GDM group cord base deficit (-2.63 mmol/l, interquartile range [IQR]=4.2 to -0.65 mmol/l vs. -1.9 mmol/l, IQR=-3.3 to -0.2 mmol/l, p=0.009, odds ratio (OR)=1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-2.18) was lower and concentration of calcium higher (1.49 mmol/l, IQR=1.42-1.56 mmol/l vs. 1.47 mmol/l, IQR=1.41-1.51 mmol/l, p=0.009, OR=1.69, 95% CI=1.12-2.56) compared with controls. Epidural analgesia in the GDM group was associated with reduced cord concentration of glucose (84.0mg/dl [4.7 mmol/l], IQR=70-103.3mg/dl vs. 92.5mg/dl [5.1 mmol/l], IQR=76.5-121.8 mg/dl, p=0.004), lactate (2.65 mmol/l (IQR=1.80-4.20) vs. 3.70 mmol/l (IQR=2.90-5.55 mmol/l), p=0.002) and less pronounced base deficit (-2.05 mmol/l, IQR=-3.90 to -0.17 mmol/l vs. -2.8, IQR=-5.57 to -1.05 mmol/l, p=0.01, OR=0.7, 95% CI=0.49-0.99).

In uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, well-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus has potentially significant detrimental effects on fetal acid-base status at birth. Epidural analgesia reduces cord arterial glucose and lactates.

For women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and gestational diabetes (GDM), poor maternal glycemic control can significantly increase maternal and fetal risk for adverse outcomes. Outpatient medical and nutrition therapy is recommended for all women with diabetes in order to facilitate euglycemia during the antepartum period. Despite intensive outpatient therapy, women with diabetes often require inpatient diabetes management prior to delivery as maternal hyperglycemia can significantly increase neonatal risk of hypoglycemia. Consensus guidelines recommend maternal glucose range of 80-110 mg/dL in labor. The most optimal inpatient strategies for the prevention of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia proximate to delivery remain unclear and will depend upon factors such as maternal diabetes diagnosis, her baseline insulin resistance, duration and route of delivery etc. Low dose intravenous insulin and dextrose protocols are necessary to achieve optimal predelivery glycemic control for women with T1DM and T2DM. For most with GDM however, euglycemia can be maintained without intravenous insulin. Women treated with a subcutaneous insulin pump during the antepartum period represent a unique challenge to labor and delivery staff. Strategies for self-managed subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use prior to delivery require intensive education and coordination of care with the labor team in order to maintain patient safety. Hospitalization is recommended for most women with diabetes prior to delivery and in the postpartum period despite appropriate outpatient glycemic control. Women with poorly controlled diabetes in any trimester have an increased baseline maternal and fetal risk for adverse outcomes. Common indications for antepartum hospitalization of these women include failed outpatient therapy and/or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Inpatient management of DKA is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and remains a common indication for hospitalization of the pregnant woman with diabetes. Changes in maternal physiology increase insulin resistance and the risk for DKA. A systematic approach to its management will be reviewed.

To explore whether real-time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery supplementary to hourly self-monitored plasma glucose in women with Type 1 diabetes reduces the prevalence of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Women with Type 1 diabetes participating in a randomized controlled trial on the effect of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in pregnancy were included in this study. Twenty-seven of 60 (45%) women in the intervention arm used real-time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery, supplementary to hourly self-monitored plasma glucose. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring glucose data covering the last 8 h prior to delivery were retrospectively evaluated, and maternal hypo- and hyperglycaemia were defined as glucose values ≤ 3.9 mmol/l and > 7.0 mmol/l, respectively. Women in the control arm (n = 59) solely used self-monitored plasma glucose. Neonatal hypoglycaemia was defined as a 2-h plasma glucose < 2.5 mmol/l.

In infants of women using real-time continuous glucose monitoring during labour and delivery, 10 (37%) developed neonatal hypoglycaemia vs. 27 (46%) infants in the control arm (P = 0.45). Among 10 infants with and 17 infants without neonatal hypoglycaemia within the real-time continuous glucose monitoring arm, median maternal self-monitored plasma glucose was 6.2 (range 4.2-7.8) vs. 5.6 (3.3-8.5) mmol/l (P = 0.26) during labour and delivery, with maternal hyperglycaemia present in 17 (0-94) vs. 4 (0-46)% of the time (P = 0.02), and birthweight was 4040 (3102-4322) vs. 3500 (1829-4320) g (P = 0.04). Maternal hypoglycaemia up to delivery was relatively rare.

The prevalence of neonatal hypoglycaemia was comparable between infants of women using real-time continuous glucose monitoring supplementary to self-monitored plasma glucose during labour and delivery and infants of women solely using self-monitored plasma glucose.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common during pregnancy, and is frequently associated with maternal and perinatal complications. Intensive treatment of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy has been shown to reduce perinatal morbidity. In women with pregestational type 1 or 2 diabetes, hyperglycaemia during labour and delivery is an important factor in the development of neonatal hypoglycaemia. There are no generally accepted recommendations for women with GDM. Recent studies evaluating patients with GDM show that peripartum glucose control can be achieved in these women without the need for insulin use in the majority of cases. Hyperglycaemia during labour is not related with treatment established during pregnancy but rather with non-compliance of endocrinological follow-up. Factors such as ethnic origin, neonatal hypoxaemia, and large for gestational age seem to play an important role in the development of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

An optimized metabolic control during delivery is mandatory to prevent maternal-neonatal complications. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) during delivery in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) added to CSII versus CSII alone.

This was a multicenter observational retrospective study. A standardized protocol, to use CSII throughout pregnancy and delivery, foresaw three different insulin basal rates according to blood glucose level: profile A, the last basal rate in use; profile B, preventive 50% reduction of the last basal rate in use; and profile C, 0.1-0.2 U/h for blood glucose level <70 mg/dL, activated just before anesthesia or at the beginning of active labor. An alternative intravenous protocol (IVP) was given in case of complications and relevant metabolic deterioration. Blood glucose in the target range (70-140 mg/dL) throughout delivery and percentage of activation of the IVP were primary outcomes.

Sixty-five pregnant women with diabetes included in the study (56-86% cesarean section; 9-14% spontaneous/stimulated vaginal delivery). Mean blood glucose level was 102 ± 31 mg/dL at 0 min, 109 ± 42 mg/dL at 30 min, 120 ± 48 mg/dL at 60 min, and 99 ± 34 mg/dL at 24 h. Mean basal rate during delivery was 0.6 ± 0.4 U/h (profile B). Mean capillary blood glucose (CBG) level was lower in the RT-CGM group relative to the CSII-alone group: 80 ± 14 mg/dL versus 111 ± 32 mg/dL at 0 min (P<0.01), 79 ± 11 mg/dL versus 109 ± 42 mg/dL at 30 min (P<0.02), and 98 ± 20 mg/dL versus 125 ± 51 mg/dL at 60 min (difference not significant). Eleven newborns experienced transient neonatal hypoglycemia. None of the women switched to IVP. No major differences were observed according to delivery procedure.

CSII is possible and safe in different types of delivery in selected and educated women. RT-CGM helps to obtain better outcomes in terms of maternal peripartum CBG level.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus in pregnant women increases the risk of adverse outcomes for mother and offspring. Careful preconception counselling and screening is important, with particular focus on glycaemic control, indications for antihypertensive therapy, screening for diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and thyroid dysfunction, as well as review of other medications. Supplementation with folic acid should be initiated before conception in order to minimize the risk of fetal malformations. Obtaining and maintaining tight control of blood glucose and blood pressure before and during pregnancy is crucial for optimizing outcomes; however, the risk of severe hypoglycaemia during pregnancy is a major obstacle. Although pregnancy does not result in deterioration of kidney function in women with diabetic nephropathy and normal serum creatinine levels, pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and preterm delivery are more frequent in these women than in women with T1DM and normal kidney function. Rapid-acting insulin analogues are considered safe to use in pregnancy and studies on long-acting insulin analogues have provided reassuring results. Immediately after delivery the insulin requirement declines to approximately 60% of the prepregnancy dose, and remains 10% lower than before pregnancy during breastfeeding.

Poorly controlled diabetes before conception and during pregnancy among women with pre-existing diabetes can cause major birth defects and spontaneous abortions, as wells as abnormal fetal growth and development including an offspring who is small or large for gestational age, or predisposed to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome in his/her lifetime. Conversely, for a woman with pre-existing diabetes, optimizing blood glucose levels before and during early pregnancy can reduce these risks dramatically. As insulin pump technology has evolved, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion has become a safe and reliable method for treating diabetes during pregnancy. Although pump therapy is often preferred by patients and some experts, insulin pumps have not yet been shown to be superior to multiple daily injections of insulin during pregnancy. In this review of the literature we focus on the use of insulin pumps in the management of diabetes in pregnancy.

To investigate the patterns of medication errors in the obstetric emergency ward in a low resource setting.

This prospective observational study included 10,000 women who presented at the obstetric emergency ward, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Menofyia University Hospital, Egypt between March and December 2010. All medications prescribed in the emergency ward were monitored for different types of errors. The head nurse in each shift was asked to monitor each pharmacologic order from the moment of prescribing till its administration. Retrospective review of the patients' charts and nurses' notes was carried out by the authors of this paper. Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

A total of 1976 medication errors were detected. Administration errors were the commonest error reported. Omitted errors ranked second followed by unauthorized and prescription errors. Three administration errors resulted in three Cesareans were performed for fetal distress because of wrong doses of oxytocin infusion. The rest of errors did not cause patients harm but may have lead to an increase in monitoring. Most errors occurred during night shifts.

The availability of automated infusion pumps will probably decrease administration errors significantly. There is a need for more obstetricians and nurses during the nightshifts to minimize errors resulting from working under stressful conditions.

Optimal glycemic control is pivotal to the successful outcome of diabetic pregnancy. The goals for glycemic control include levels for preprandial and postprandial glucose and HbA1c as well as avoidance of severe hypoglycemia. These goals are best obtained with diet, exercise, and insulin treatment, often a multiple-dose insulin regimen or insulin pump. A focus on blood pressure, microalbuminuria, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic retinopathy is needed.

In diabetic pregnancies, suboptimal glycemic control is a risk factor for fetal acidemia and stillbirth. We hypothesized that the diabetic intrauterine milieu (hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, changes in acid-base status) might predispose to oxidative stress. We studied 70 newborns whose mothers had pregestational diabetes (58 with type 1 diabetes mellitus) and 71 control newborns from nondiabetic mothers. Protein carbonyls (PCs), malondialdehyde, and 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine were measured in umbilical vein plasma as a reflection of protein, lipid, and DNA oxidative damage, respectively; glutathione peroxidase-3 (GPx3), an important circulating antioxidant enzyme, was also assayed. Despite satisfactory glycemic control in the majority of diabetic mothers, their newborns showed higher birth weight and relative hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and respiratory acidemia. The oxidant balance marker concentrations were not different at the P < .05 level between the 2 groups, and there was no relationship to maternal hemoglobin A(₁C) levels in the diabetic group. However, in the entire sample, increasing glucose levels at birth were related to lower GPx3 and higher PC concentrations; and GPx3 and PC concentrations were inversely correlated. In addition, a depressed pH or larger base-deficit at birth was related to higher PC and 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine concentrations. In conclusion, oxidant balance markers at birth are not affected by maternal diabetes per se and its long-term glycemic control, yet some markers are acutely tuned to metabolic cues including glucose and the acid-base environment.

The epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) globally are paralleling an increase in the number of women with T2DM becoming pregnant. Because T2DM is frequently undiagnosed before pregnancy, the risk of major malformations in the developing fetus is increased due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia. The lack of preconception care and the increase in complications of pregnancy due to the coexistence of obesity and T2DM are of concern from both an individual and a public health standpoint. Rapid achievement of normoglycemia with limited weight gain is critical to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes in all women with diabetes during pregnancy, regardless of the type of diabetes. This article will focus on T2DM preceding pregnancy due to its increasing prevalence and potentially dire fetal and maternal consequences. Euglycemia before, during, and after all pregnancies complicated by diabetes results in the best opportunity for optimal outcomes for mother and infant.

We sought to evaluate intrapartum metabolic control in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and maternal factors influencing intrapartum glycemic control and neonatal hypoglycemia risk.

A prospective observational study included 129 women with GDM admitted for delivery. Data collected included maternal intrapartum capillary blood glucose (CBG) and ketonemia, use of insulin, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

In all, 86% of maternal intrapartum CBG values fell within target range (3.3-7.2 mmol/L) without need for insulin use. There were no cases of maternal hypoglycemia or severe ketosis. Intrapartum CBG >7.2 mmol/L was associated with third-trimester glycated hemoglobin (P = .02) and lack of endocrinologic follow-up (P = .04). Risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was related with pregnancy insulin use compared with dietary control (60.5% vs 29.5%; P = .02).

Peripartum metabolic control in GDM patients was achieved without insulin in most cases. Intrapartum glycemic control was related with third-trimester glycated hemoglobin and with no endocrinologic follow-up. Neonatal hypoglycemia was associated with insulin use during pregnancy.

The aim of diabetes treatment is to achieve tight glucose control to avoid the development of chronic diabetic complications while reducing the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) using an external pump is an intensive diabetes therapy recognized to improve metabolic control and glycaemic instability, and to reduce the frequency of severe hypoglycaemia. For years, the theoretical advantages of the insulin pump (constancy of basal delivery, adjustable basal rates, and low insulin depots allowing the reduction of glycaemic variability) have contributed to its reported superiority compared with multiple daily injections (MDI). However, insulin pump therapy is now challenged by new MDI regimens based on long-acting insulin analogues that could replace the use of CSII. As a consequence, health professionals now have to determine which patients are likely to benefit the most from CSII. Recently, several studies reported that children and adolescents, and patients whose blood glucose imbalance was initially the most pronounced with basal-bolus regimens, would particularly benefit from CSII. Other indications were also proposed in marginal clinical situations with highly selected patients in whom a significant improvement of blood glucose was demonstrated. Finally, the use of CSII in type 2 diabetic patients now appears to be a good alternative to the ineffective MDI regimens observed in some of these patients. However, past experience with CSII indicates that candidates for insulin pump therapy must be carefully selected and strongly motivated to improve their glucose control. Use of CSII also requires strict medical supervision by physicians and a regular programme of patient education by paramedical teams, to ensure optimal responsible use of this technique by healthcare professionals.

To evaluate a standardized protocol for maintaining near-normoglycaemia during labour and delivery in women with type 1 diabetes.

Over a nine-year period (1997-2005), 229 pregnancies in 174 women with type 1 diabetes were delivered at one centre. The same regimen was used for the induction of labour (group 1) and in women admitted in spontaneous labour (group 2): 10% dextrose (80ml/h) intravenous was given along with short-acting insulin, starting at 1IU/h intravenous via an infusion pump. Capillary blood glucose (CBG) was determined hourly, and the insulin infusion rate was modified accordingly.

Labour was induced in 85 cases (37%) and spontaneous in 23 cases (10%), and an elective C-section was performed in 121 cases (53%). Maternal glycaemia during labour was 6.1+/-1.6 (range: 3.9-9.2)mmol/l in group 1, and 6.9+/-2.0 (range: 4.7-12.0)mmol/l in group 2. Maternal glycaemia at delivery was 5.8+/-1.5 (range: 3.4-9.4) and 6.3+/-1.9 (range: 4.1-11.4)mmol/l in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Women who underwent an elective C-section were not included in the standardized protocol and had higher glycaemia at delivery 7.1+/-2.0 (range: 2.7-13.5)mmol/l. Neonatal hypoglycaemia occurred in 30 infants (13%), and was only associated with preterm delivery.

Using a standardized simple protocol during labour, maternal glycaemia was maintained within a near-normal range in 80-85% of cases.

Our aim was to compare the prevalence of obesity in 172 children who were aged 2 to 18 years and born to 113 obese mothers (BMI: 31 +/- 9 kg/m2) with substantial weight loss after biliopancreatic bypass surgery with 45 same-age siblings who were born before maternal surgery (mothers' BMI: 48 +/- 8 kg/m2) and with current population standards.

In this case series, with >88% follow-up in a tertiary referral center, cross sectional office chart and telephone data on childhood and adolescent weights were transformed to z scores.

After maternal surgery, the prevalence of obesity in the offspring decreased by 52% and severe obesity by 45.1%, with no increase in the prevalence of underweight. The z score reduction in obesity was gender specific, with boys reducing from 1.4 +/- 1.3 before to 0.57 +/- 1.7 after maternal surgery, corrected for birth order. The difference was not significant in girls (0.8 +/- 1.3 vs 0.8 +/- 1.2). Among children of both genders who were aged 6 to 18 years of age and born after maternal surgery, the prevalence of overweight was reduced to population levels.

Contrary to outcomes after intrauterine under- and overnutrition, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children of mothers with large voluntary postsurgical weight loss was similar to that in the general population, with no increase in underweight. The results demonstrate the importance of potentially modifiable epigenetic factors in the cause of obesity.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether continuous insulin infusion provides a greater degree of intrapartum maternal glycemic control than rotating between glucose and non-glucose containing intravenous fluids.

Laboring patients with pregestational or gestational diabetes were recruited and randomized to an "insulin drip" or "rotating fluids" protocol. The primary outcome measure was mean maternal capillary blood glucose (CBG) levels (mg/dL). Power analysis indicated that 16 patients were needed in each arm to find a difference of 10 mg/dL.

Fifteen patients were randomized to the rotating fluids protocol and 21 patients to an insulin drip. There was no difference in mean intrapartum maternal CBG levels (103.9 +/- 8.7 mg/dL and 103.2 +/- 17.9 mg/dL in the rotating fluids and insulin drip group, respectively, P = .89). Neonatal outcomes were also similar between the 2 treatment groups.

In patients with insulin requiring gestational diabetes, intrapartum glycemic control may be comparable with a standard adjusted insulin drip or a rotation of intravenous fluids between glucose and non-glucose containing fluids.

Fasting during labour is questioned in France despite the historical recommendations by Curtis Mendelson. Solid food diet increases maternal nausea and vomiting of non digested food associated with a theoretical risk of severe aspiration syndrome. Clear fluids may improve the comfort of some parturients but it remains uncertain whether or not the obstetric consequences (i.e. duration of labour, Caesarean section rate) of carbohydrate supplementation are beneficial.