BACKGROUND:

Diabetes mellitus continues to be a disease of high prevalence worldwide; in Mexico it reaches 13.7% and, of this percentage, 30% are unaware that they suffer from it. This circumstance has been associated with complications during pregnancy: congenital malformations due to hyperglycaemia in the first trimester of pregnancy and caudal regression syndrome, among others. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this metabolic disease, these alterations continue to cause disability, hence the importance of early identification in pregnancy.

CLINICAL CASE:

35-year-old primigravida patient with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes established in the first trimester of pregnancy, with a glycosylated haemoglobin of 7.6%. Structural ultrasound showed data compatible with caudal regression syndrome and severe alterations in the extremities. At birth, at 18 weeks, severe dislocation of the lower extremities was confirmed.

CONCLUSION:

Screening for diabetes should be performed at the first prenatal visit, especially in high-risk patients. After diagnosis, second level ultrasound is important to detect abnormalities. Patient education is crucial for adequate metabolic control and prevention of complications during pregnancy.