Management of the uncomplicated pregnant diabetic client in the ambulatory setting

This article discusses health care provider management of the uncomplicated pregnant diabetic client in the ambulatory setting. The primary care management process includes combining knowledge about the individual with knowledge of the disease process of diabetes in order to identify problems. Through a sharing of knowledge and information and a team approach, health care providers and their clients work together to develop and implement a logical sequence of safe, comprehensive care. The purpose of this article is to provide information on health care management of uncomplicated diabetes in pregnancy in the ambulatory setting. Topics include classifications of diabetes, normal insulin metabolism and insulin metabolism during pregnancy, implications of diabetes for the mother and fetus, preconception management and risk factor identification, screening and diagnostic tests, and management. Management includes baseline assessment, blood glucose monitoring, nutrition, exercise and insulin therapy as well as fetal surveillance and postpartum follow-up.