Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in Anuradhapura district

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with first recognition or onset during pregnancy regardless of whether diet modification or insulin used for treatment or if condition persists following pregnancy [1]. Even though national estimates on GDM prevalence are lacking in Sri Lanka, a study conducted in Homagama reported a community prevalence of 10.3% [2]. Ministry of Health and Nutrition of Sri Lanka practice guidelines recommend two hour postprandial blood sugar (2hPPBS) after standard meal at booking visits for those with risk factors for GDM as the screening test. It further states that if 2hPPBS is >7.22 mmol/L proceed once to 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and if <7.22 mmol/L with at least one risk factor to proceed to 75 g OGTT at 24-28 weeks [3].