Postnatal care of women with diabetes: a clinical update

Diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus significantly affect pregnant women, their fetuses and neonates. Midwives need to be aware of their vital role in the care of women with diabetes and keep up to date with the latest evidence and guidelines. However, midwives have reported a deficit in their knowledge regarding postnatal care of women with diabetes. In this article, the challenges of maternity care for women with diabetes are highlighted, and the specific midwifery role in some aspects of postnatal care is discussed. The provision of woman-centred care by midwives, together with the expert knowledge of the diabetic team, can reduce postnatal diabetic complications.