Over recent decades, diabetes has expanded into low- and middle-
income countries and the age of onset has shifted down a
generation. As a consequence, more women of reproductive age
have diabetes, an estimated 28 million women of reproductive age
with diabetes in 2012. Women with diabetes have more difficulty
conceiving and may have poor pregnancy outcomes. Without pre-
conception planning, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can result in a
significantly higher risk of maternal and child mortality and
morbidity. A comprehensive approach to women and children’s
health is needed, integrating diabetes across the reproductive,
maternal and new-born child health (RMNCH) continuum of care,
from adolescence and pre-conception through the post-natal
period and early childhood.