Screening and management of gestational diabetes mellitus in Scottish obstetric units: a national survey

Stirrat, L. I., Denison, F. C., Love, C. D.B., Lindsay, R. S. and Reynolds, R. M. (2015) Screening and management of gestational diabetes mellitus in Scottish obstetric units: a national survey. Scottish Medical Journal, 60(1), pp. 37-43. (doi: 10.1177/0036933014563458) (PMID:25475973)

Abstract

Background and aims The last study of screening practices for gestational diabetes (GDM) in the UK concluded that a lack of consensus about screening was due to a lack of clinical guidelines. We aimed to determine current practices in Scotland since new guidelines recommended that diagnosis should be made at a lower level of hyperglycaemia.<p></p> Method and results An online questionnaire designed to investigate the screening and management of GDM was distributed to all maternity units in Scotland managing women with GDM (n = 15) for completion by relevant clinical team members. The response rate was 100%. Considerable variation in clinical practice existed between units. Thirteen units (86.7%) had adopted the lower glucose tolerance values for diagnosis of GDM (fasting ≥5.1 mmol/L; 2-h ≥8.5 mmol/L) recommended by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network in 2010. Available data from units using this guideline (n = 3) revealed a significant increase in the percentage of women diagnosed with GDM between 2010 and 2012 (2010: 1.28%, 2012: 2.54%; p < 0.0001).<p></p> Conclusion Despite provision of clinical guidelines, there are still inconsistencies in screening and management of GDM in Scotland. If a similar increase in the prevalence of GDM is experienced across Scotland, there will be major implications for health care provision and resource allocation.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lindsay, Dr Robert
• Authors: Stirrat, L. I., Denison, F. C., Love, C. D.B., Lindsay, R. S., and Reynolds, R. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Scottish Medical Journal
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0036-9330
• ISSN (Online): 2045-6441