The CEMACH diabetic project

Abstract

The outcome of diabetic pregnancy has not changed over the last 15 years despite St. Vincent declaration, in terms of perinatal mortality and congenital malformation. This applies to both Types 1 and 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is emerging as an additional risk as its incidence is increasing. National initiatives have been set up by the professional bodies (CEMACH Diabetic Project) and the UK Department of Health (Diabetic National Service Framework) to explore the current status of diabetic pregnancy and the impact of various health care issues on its outcome with a view to establishing future care plans on a national basis. The challenge is how to establish an effective partnership between the patients and the health care professionals. The key areas should include preconception service, effective clinical service delivery, audit and patient education. Future research should be focussed to understand the biological and sociological reasons behind adverse outcome of diabetic pregnancy.