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Screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus in UK obstetric units
G J Mires1, F L Williams, V Harper
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Aim:
To identify current screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in all maternity units.
Methods:
A questionnaire was sent to the senior obstetrician of all obstetric units known to the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Results:
A response rate of 84% was achieved. 89% of units reported that they screened for GDM with a wide variation in the screening methods used, both between and within units. The most commonly employed procedure (81% of units) was screening based on the presence of maternal risk factors. The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was the commonest diagnostic test (79% of units). Sixty-six per cent of units operate a combined diabetic antenatal clinic and 58% of units have written guidelines for screening. Seventy-six per cent of units would welcome national guidelines.
Conclusion:
The majority of obstetric units in the UK screen for GDM but with little consensus on the appropriate screening methods. National guidelines would probably be welcomed.