Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) is one of the most important perinatal health indicators. PMR in diabetic pregnancies varies throughout the world and is higher than the background PMR. The prevalence of pregestational diabetes is increasing and is associated with an elevated risk of congenital malformations, macrosomia, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery. The incidence of PMR in preexisting diabetes mellitus ranges considerably, with congenital abnormalities and preterm labor the main factors contributing to the higher PMR. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance are a mixed group that may have low to a high PMR, especially if they require insulin in their pregnancy. All the known diabetic women should plan their pregnancies and optimize glycemic control periconceptually and throughout pregnancy, as this reduces the frequency of congenital abnormalities, obstetric complications, and perinatal mortality.
© 2010 New York Academy of Sciences.