Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy: Rates of fetal malformations and level of preconception care

An observational study was performed to assess the prevalence of fetal malformations and the level of preconception care in women with Type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes who delivered between 2002 and 2010 were recruited to the study. The fetal malformation rate of patients with Type 2 diabetes was compared with the rate in a control group; the general population. The malformation rate was 3.2 (7.2-2.2%; p < 0.0001) greater in the diabetes group. In addition, only 4% of women with Type 2 diabetes had preconception care. Despite evidence of benefits in women receiving preconception care, patients with Type 2 diabetes do not attend for preconception counselling and the malformation rate is high.