Post-partum follow-up of women with gestational diabetes mellitus: effectiveness,determinants, and barriers |
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Authors: | Saleha Aziz Tazeen Fatima Munim |
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Affiliation: | 1. Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan;2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abassi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan |
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Abstract: | Background: Despite the recommendations for postpartum blood glucose monitoring post gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); scientific evidence reveals that these recommendations may not be fully complied to. This study aimed to follow-up women up to 2 years post-delivery with pregnancies complicated by GDM and healthy controls to assess this fact.Methods: Women with GDM (n?=?78) and normal glucose tolerant (n?=?89) delivered in 2014 were followed up for 2 years. They were informed and enquired via telephone about their blood glucose screening, physical activity, postpartum complications, and current weight status of mother and baby.Results: Women with previous GDM were older and reported higher body weight 2 years post-delivery. At the 2?year follow-up, n?=?11 (14.1%) participants had developed diabetes, all with previous GDM. Both weight at birth (3.8?±?0.5?kg) and at 2-year (10.7?±?2.3?kg) for the babies born to GDM mothers was significantly higher than the NGT group babies (2.6?±?0.63 and 7.1?±?1.4?kg; p?.05). Only 27 women regularly opted for T2DM screening via monitoring blood glucose or HbA1c levels postpartum. The top reason for failed screening included: believing that GDM would disappear after delivery, and being occupied with the baby.Conclusions: The high incidence of T2DM in women with previous GDM is an alarming finding. Given this trend, systematic follow-up programs are needed to reduce obesity and diabetes risk. |
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Keywords: | Gestational Diabetes Mellitus screening diabetes mellitus maternal–fetal outcomes |
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