Glycaemic management in women with type 1 diabetes during labour

During labour, the maternal glucose requirement increases markedly to meet the increased energy requirements of the uterus and skeletal muscle. As a result, insulin requirements during labour are generally low.

Women with type 1 diabetes should have their blood glucose concentrations monitored hourly during labour. Tight glycaemic targets can usually be maintained easily. An intravenous insulin infusion is preferable; however, small subcutaneous doses of rapid-acting insulin every 2 to 4 hours may be given initially if blood glucose concentrations are just above target.

See Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for information on managing a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump during labour.