Recent advances in the antepartum management of diabetes

Abstract

Gestational and pre-gestational diabetes are frequent problems encountered in obstetrical practice and their complications may influence both the mother (such as hypertension, pre-eclampsia, increased caesarean rates) and the foetus (such as macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, respiratory distress, hypoglycaemia, or childhood obesity and diabetes). Given the important implications for mothers and their offspring, screening and appropriate management of diabetes during pregnancy are essential. This is a review of articles published between 2015 and 2018 on Medline via Ovid that focus on advances in the management of diabetes in pregnancy. Recent data have concentrated predominantly on optimising glycaemic control, which is key for minimising the burden of maternal and foetal complications. Lifestyle changes, notably physical exercise and diet adjustments, appear to have beneficial effects. However, data are inconclusive with respect to which diet and form of exercise provide optimal benefits. Oral glycaemic agents—in particular, metformin—are gaining acceptance as more data indicating their long-term safety for the foetus and newborn emerge. Recent reviews present inconclusive data on the efficacy and safety of insulin analogues. New technologies such as continuous insulin pumps for type 1 diabetes and telemedicine-guided management of diabetes are significantly appreciated by patients and represent promising clinical tools. There are few new data addressing the areas of antenatal foetal surveillance, the timing and need for induction of delivery, and the indications for planned caesarean section birth.