[Problems in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes]

The standard of care of mother and child is in the foreground of interest of the lay public. Gestational diabetes is associated with an increased mortality and morbidity of the foetus, unless diagnosed in time and adequately treated. The screening test for detection of gestational diabetes (according to O'Sullivan) is made in all pregnant women of the Zlín district since 1985. Within 4 months (September-December 2000) it was made in more than 700 women. Of these 58 positive screenings were referred to our out-patient department. Supplemented by oGTT (75 g, WHO). 19 patients with gestational diabetes were detected, 6 with impaired glucose tolerance and 18 with renal glycosuria. During the investigation no patient was detected with negative screening and subsequently confirmed gestational diabetes. In three instances of gestational diabetes insulin treatment was administered, in three cases of renal glyosuria based on the blood sugar level the condition was re-evaluated as gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is associated with obesity of the mother. With regard to the increasing incidence of obesity in the population the risk of a higher incidence of diabetes is increasing. Women in fertile age should be tested for hyperglycaemia not only during pregnancy but already before conception.