Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder of pregnancy. Diabetic mothers have an increased risk of obstetric complications. Spontaneous abortion, thrombo embolism, polyhydramnios, maternal infection and complications secondary to increased fetal size are all increased in this group. With careful and appropriate screening, multidisciplinary management and a motivated patient these risks can be minimised. The risks with pregnancies increase with the duration of the diabetes. Gestational diabetes is defined as carbohydrate intolerance resulting in hyperglycaemia of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Target ranges for blood glucose have been recommended. The stress of labour and birth for women makes diabetes more difficult to control in labour. It is universally accepted that, in the absence of contraindications, regional analgesia is the preferred form of anaesthetic technique for Caesarean section. Neonatal morbidity is increased in those babies born of diabetic mothers, whether gestational or pre-existent.