Diabetes and pregnancy
Hoet, J.J.
Münchener Medizinische Wochenschrift 119(19): 659-662
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-3098 PMID: 406549 Document Number: 119304
The metabolic and hormonal adaptation of the maternal organism in pregnancy, the glucose dependency of the fetus, the adaptation of the fetus to the pregnancy and the clinical consequences of the adaptation are important aspects of pregnancy in diabetics. Hyperglycemia in the mother possibly leads to a fetal anoxia by reducing the oxygen in the maternal hemoglobin and at the same time to a hyperglycemia of the fetus which causes hyperinsulinism. The consequences of hyperinsulinism are, inter alia, adiposity and respiratory insufficiency in the child due to hyaline membranes. Insulin treatment of the mother before and during pregnancy in order to normalize the blood sugar level is consequently absolutely essential to prevent such complications.