[Pregnancy and diabetes: physiopathological aspects]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Maternal-fetal medicine
• Metabolic disorders

Context:

• Pregnancy involves significant metabolic and hormonal shifts impacting glucose metabolism and insulin secretion.
• Physiological insulin resistance increases during pregnancy due to hormonal influences.
• These changes can lead to impaired glucose tolerance or gestational diabetes in susceptible individuals.

Purpose:

• To explore the metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and their implications for glucose regulation.
• To understand the impact of maternal diabetes on fetal development and perinatal outcomes.
• To highlight the importance of metabolic control in diabetic pregnancies.

Summary:

• Pregnancy induces hormonal changes that increase insulin resistance, potentially leading to gestational diabetes.
• Maternal hyperglycemia directly affects fetal glucose metabolism, causing fetal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinism.
• Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with various embryo-fetal pathologies, including malformations and macrosomia.

Impact:

• Strict metabolic control before conception and management of gestational diabetes are vital for fetal-maternal health.
• Effective management can mitigate risks of embryo-fetal pathologies in diabetic pregnancies.
• This research underscores the necessity of proactive diabetes management for healthy pregnancy outcomes.