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A snapshot of current gestational diabetes management practices from 26 low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries
Author(s) -
Utz Bettina,
Kolsteren Patrick,
De Brouwere Vincent
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2016.01.020
Subject(s) - gestational diabetes , low and middle income countries , medicine , healthcare delivery , family medicine , health care , developing country , cross sectional study , environmental health , business , pregnancy , economic growth , gestation , genetics , pathology , economics , biology
Abstract Objective To identify screening and management practices for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between November 12, 2014 and May 11, 2015. Questionnaires were distributed to gynecologists, endocrinologists, and medical doctors who were representatives of national professional societies or were involved in providing care to patients with GDM in low‐income or lower‐middle‐income countries in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. The data were descriptively analyzed. Results Questionnaires were sent to 182 individuals and 77 healthcare providers from 26 countries completed the survey. The results demonstrated high diversity in screening and management practices. Only 52 (68%) participants reported that any guidelines were available in their setting. Management of GDM was found to take place mainly at the tertiary level and reported practices, including the frequency of post‐diagnosis follow‐up, modalities of glucose surveillance, and treatment and practices surrounding delivery, varied and did not always reflect the most recent evidence. Conclusion Attempts to ensure greater adherence to latest consensus guidelines are required, and should be accompanied by systemic changes to improve the detection and management of GDM at primary‐ and secondary‐level healthcare facilities to facilitate patient access to GDM screening and treatment.