Diabetes in pregnancy: Focus on complications [Diabete in Gravidanza: Focus sulle Complicanze]

Diabetes is a disease characterized by an alteration of glucose metabolism; persistent and high level of glucose (especially if untreated) is the cause of the damage occurring at various organs. The development of gestational diabetes may be a risk factor for diabetes type II during advanced age. After pregnancy, life style (physical activity) and a proper diet (to maintain a normal body weight) may be useful in long term prevention. During pregnancy, however, is not difficult to achieve a good metabolic control, because pregnant women are driven by a strong personal motivation that makes them particularly careful about the management of the disease. It is necessary that diabetic patients in reproductive age understand the importance of planning a pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of fetal and neonatal adverse events, which are certainly higher than the general population. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to improve preconception management and to promote a pregnancy planning in an higher percentage of women affected by this disorder.