Diabetic Retinopathy and Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Comprehensive View from Ophthalmology

Abstract

The increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus globally in recent years makes it a challenge for health systems. Diabetic retinopathy as one of its most frequent chronic complications has become one of the main causes of preventable blindness in the world, and pregnancy has become an important risk factor for the development of this disease. Pregnancy in women previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus may favor the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy. At this stage, the metabolic alterations described for diabetes mellitus are added to those of pregnancy itself, so that the clinical picture is reinforced and accentuated, in fact, it is considered the greatest risk factor and is associated with an increase in its prevalence and severity. The presence of diabetic retinopathy is not a contraindication for pregnancy, but its early diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss is essential to preserve the quality of life of pregnant women before and after delivery. The onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus can be prevented or reduced with adequate preconception care, rigorous clinical follow-up during pregnancy and early treatment, thus helping to prevent visual loss due to this cause.