Review of Stillbirths among Antepartum Women with Gestational and Pre-Gestational Diabetes

Background: The literature is replete with reports describing the effect of diabetes on pregnancy outcomes, particularly the risk of stillbirth.The goal of this review is to explore the relationship between maternal diabetes and fetal demise.Aim: To review the risk of stillbirths in pregnancies complicated by Type 1, Type 2, and gestational Diabetes Mellitus.Discussion: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) identified during pregnancy have been independently associated with an increased risk of stillbirth compared to pregnancies not affected by these conditions.Published guidelines for prevention and management of GDM are lacking, but the existing evidence indicates that achieving glycemic targets during pre-conception is associated with decreased rates of stillbirth.Conclusion: Diabetes is an independent risk factor for stillbirth that is amenable to achieving glycemic targets.Evidence-based recommendations for antenatal screening glycemic management are warranted to achieve reduction in stillbirth rates for gravidas with pre-gestational and gestational DM.