Diabetes is the most common pre-existing medical disorder complicating pregnancy in the UK. A woman with diabetes has a much higher risk of her baby being stillborn or dying in the first months of life.
The National Diabetes Support Team (NDST) has produced a Factsheet on diabetes in pregnancy and how healthcare professionals can work with women to improve care and minimise risks for both mothers and children.
There is information on:
• Planning pregnancy
• Glycaemic control
• Medication
• Supplements
• Continuing care
• Care planning
• Timing the delivery
• Patient education
• Long term implications
It draws on information from the 2005 Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH), the Diabetes National Service Framework (NSF) and the NSF for Children, Young People and Maternity Services.
NDST Director Bev Bookless said: “CEMACH told us that a child of a woman with diabetes is five times more likely to be stillborn, three times as likely to die in its first months of life and twice as likely to have a major congenital anomaly. These are shocking statistics and it is essential that we work with women to improve care and reduce risks for women with diabetes. I am therefore delighted to see the publication of this Factsheet on pregnancy and diabetes.”
The NSF can be found at http://www.dh.gov.uk
If you suffer from diabetes, you are likely to be a priority in NHS foot care. You should have regular check-ups with a registered chiropodist (also known as podiatrist) if you fall into this category.
For more information on how diabetes affects your feet, see the Society's Professional Care for diabetes section.
Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 31-Oct-2006
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