| Abstract: | ![]()
A prospective study of 1300 low risk patients was completed in a birth center to determine the safety of change in screening criteria for gestational diabetes. The incidence of diagnosed gestational diabetes was 2.8% compared to 5% before the change. Of the 36 gestational diabetic patients, 12 (33%), had a normal glucose screen at 28 weeks but were identified after the 32 week screen. Nine (25%) of the diagnosed gestational diabetic patients were under 24 years of age. The incidence of macrosomia was 7.3%, a decrease from 9.5% before implementing change in the screening process. No hypoglycemia was encountered in the babies born at the center. The results of the study indicate that the new screening criteria is safe for the out-of-hospital setting providing that all patients are screened for gestational diabetes. |
