Objective- To compare the pregnancy complications and fetal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus.

Design- A retrospective cohort study.

Setting- Abha Maternity Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods- One hundred and eighty five diabetic pregnant patients who delivered at the Abha Maternity Hospital during the 3-year-period from April 2000-March 2003 formed the subjects of this study. There were 27(14.6%) (type 1) - insulin dependent diabetics, group 1, 19 (10.2%)(type 2), non insulin dependent diabetic patients who constituted group 2 and 139(75.2%) gestational diabetic patients who made up group 3. Data extracted from the case files included maternal age, gravidity, parity , number of abortions, gestational age at booking, time of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, complications during pregnancy, birth weight, placental weight.

Results- There were no statistically significant differences in the three groups regarding the mean gravidity, parity, birth weight and placental weight (p>0.05). However, statistically significant differences were found with respect to the mean maternal age, gestation at booking, fasting blood sugar, and gestation at delivery (p