Women with pre-existing type 1 and 2 diabetes have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, fetal congenital anomaly and perinatal death. There is a further group of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy, who are also at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since the original publication of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on diabetes in pregnancy in 2008, there have been several developments that prompted an update. Recently published guidance from NICE (2015) has reviewed studies on the diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes and those with pre-existing type 1 and 2 diabetes. This article outlines the background to diabetes, preconception care and the management and prevention of complications throughout pregnancy.

Lesley Mills - Consultant Nurse in Diabetes, Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Charlotte Palmer - Specialist Trainee, Mersey Deanery Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Rita Arya - Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust