The management of hypertension in a diabetic pregnancy

Abstract

pregnancy in a woman with Type 1 diabetes poses several clinical challenges. In addition to meticulous glycaemic control, careful attention must be paid to the management of developing and pre-existing diabetic complications which may progress in severity during pregnancy. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is more common in women with diabetes and especially in those with diabetes of long duration. Diabetic renal disease is associated with hypertension which often deteriorates during pregnancy. The management of hypertension is difficult because of limited therapeutic options and the need to consider the implications for the developing fetus as well as the mother. This case report details the clinical management of a young woman with Type 1 diabetes whose pregnancy was complicated by the development of hypertension.