Diabetes in pregnancy is common, affecting 5–10% of pregnant women. Poor glycaemic control in labour is associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia and other adverse outcomes for mother and baby, but tight glucose control is burdensome, intrusive and may not always be necessary. The ideal intrapartum glucose target level is unknown, traditionally ‘tight’ control (target 4–7 mmol/l) has been recommended; however, this increases the risk of maternal hypoglycaemia.
