Diabetes and pregnancy includes two situations: pre-existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and **gestational diabetes** that occurs for the first time during pregnancy. Both forms require close monitoring as they can significantly increase the risk of complications for mother and child.
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- Pre-existing diabetes: Known type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes: Glucose metabolism disorder diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (usually from the 24th week of pregnancy).
Risk factors
Particularly relevant are overweight, age over 35 years, previous gestational diabetes, birth of a child over 4,000 g or family history.
Diagnostics
Standard screening between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If the risk is high, earlier.
Therapy
The goal is to achieve a blood sugar level close to normal without hypoglycemia: diet changes, exercise and, if necessary, insulin therapy (oral antidiabetics are usually contraindicated).
Neonatal hypoglycemia in children of diabetic mothers
Many newborns develop hypoglycemia in the first few hours and days. Symptoms may include tremors, lethargy, poor drinking, or seizures. The brain is particularly dependent on glucose during this phase.
A simple and effective initial measure is to rub the cheek mucosa with a 40% dextrose gel. In the **Sugar Babies Study** at the University of Auckland (Lancet 2013), many newborns were able to avoid a stay in the intensive care unit. The children needed additional feeding less often and the mother-child bond improved noticeably.
Further information:
→ Diabetes mellitus – knowledge and overview
→ Why hyporest
→ Gestational diabetes
Sources
- German Diabetes Society (DDG): S3 guideline “Diabetes and pregnancy”. As of 2025. Available at: www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de/leitlinien.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA): Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2026. Available at: diabetesjournals.org.
- Harding JE et al.: Oral dextrose gel for neonatal hypoglycaemia (Sugar Babies Study). Lancet 2013; doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61645-1. Available at: doi.org.
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI): Federal health reporting – diabetes mellitus in Germany. Berlin 2024.
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF): IDF Diabetes Atlas. 11th edition. Brussels 2025. Available at: diabetesatlas.org.
Important note:
The information in this encyclopedia article is intended solely for general and non-binding information. They do not replace medical advice, diagnosis or therapy. If you have any health questions or complaints, please always consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The content was created with the greatest possible care, but errors cannot be completely ruled out.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
