Outcomes of pregnancies complicated by type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus increasingly complicates pregnancy, amplifying risks for both mother and child. Despite well-established management strategies, most women enter pregnancy with suboptimal metabolic control, contributing to adverse outcomes including hypertensive disorders, fetal overgrowth, congenital anomalies and perinatal death. Early intervention is critical, including structured preconception counselling, discontinuation of teratogenic drugs, and folic acid supplementation. During pregnancy, dietary optimization, tight glucose monitoring and insulin therapy are essential, but the role of metformin remains debated due to concerns about fetal growth restriction. Diabetic complications such as nephropathy and retinopathy further increase maternal risk, while infants face heightened susceptibility to hypoglycemia and long-term metabolic disease. Emerging technologies are promising, but evidence in this population remains limited. Urgent efforts are needed to fill persistent gaps in medical care and improve outcomes in this growing and vulnerable cohort.