**8. Diabetic placenta**

The placenta represents a natural selective barrier between maternal and fetal blood circulations, and it is highly sensitive to the hyperglycemic environment. Consequently, adaptive changes of the structure and function appear. The histological findings are typical: villous immaturity, villous fibrinoid necrosis, chorioangiosis, and increased angiogenesis [48]. Chronic fetal hypoxia can occur due to placental changes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Potential intrauterine complications are growth restriction, premature labor, preeclampsia, risk of oxygen deprivation, low neonate body temperature, low blood sugar levels at birth, and stillbirth [49].
