Outcome of pregnant diabetic patients in Benghazi (Libya) from 1984 to 1991

During the period from 1 June 1984 to 1 June 1991, 988 pregnant diabetic patients were treated by a team of physicians and obstetricians in Benghazi Diabetic Clinic. Twelve patients were insulin-dependent (type 1) and 976 patients were non-insulin-dependent (type 2). Ninety patients were diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Thirty-nine patients defaulted. Eight hundred and seventy-six patients were treated with insulin and 112 patients were controlled by diet. The average daily insulin dose was 40.12 units. The majority, 64.5%, delivered vaginally and 35.5% by caesarean section. Rates of abortion, intra-uterine death and still birth were 7.99%, 3.28% and 2.6%, respectively. The mean birth weight was 3.78 ± 0.89 kg. Congenital anomalies of infants were 3.4%. Perinatal morality was 11.44%. Poor metabolic control has been associated with increased rates of abortion, intra-uterine death and congenital anomalies. It was concluded that team approach and multiple insulin injections could improve the outcome of pregnancy in developing countries to near current western standards.