Diabetes and Pregnancy

The purpose of this course is to provide nurses with practical information and evidence-based recommendations on all aspects of pregnancy complicated by diabetes. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Describe the pathophysiology, risk factors, screening, and treatment of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes.

2. Explain how metabolic changes during normal gestation increase the risk for elevated blood glucose.

3. List maternal and fetal risks of hyperglycemia during pregnancy.

4. Identify future risks to the offspring of mothers who had diabetes during pregnancy.

5. Describe principles of preconception counseling in women with pre-existing diabetes.

6. Summarize the management of pregnancy in women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

7. Review studies and findings that provide a rationale for the treatment of gestational diabetes.

8. Define recommended blood glucose targets and frequency of blood glucose monitoring in gestational diabetes.

9. Describe goals and guidelines for the nutritional management of gestational diabetes.

10. Identify the safety and efficacy of oral diabetic agents and insulin for use in gestational diabetes.

11. Discuss interventions to prevent the development of gestational diabetes.

12. Describe the obstetrical management of pregnancy complicated by diabetes.

13. Describe maternal postpartum care for pregnancy complicated by diabetes.

14. Discuss the care of the neonate born to the mother with diabetes.

15. Identify important aspects of psychosocial care and follow-up for the woman with diabetes during pregnancy.


This 15-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.