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EVIDENCE‐BASED DIABETES SCREENING DURING PREGNANCY
Author(s) -
Carr Catherine A.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the journal of midwifery and womens health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1016/s1526-9523(01)00112-x
Subject(s) - gestational diabetes , medicine , diabetes in pregnancy , diabetes mellitus , pregnancy , obstetrics , disease , family medicine , pediatrics , gestation , pathology , genetics , biology , endocrinology
The concept of gestational diabetes was described more than a half century ago and has been studied extensively for more than 30 years. Available data indicate that the prevalence is highly variable, probably reflecting underlying risk factors. In addition, gestational diabetes is not a specific disease, but rather an abnormal laboratory value. Criteria for diagnosis are variable, and there is little agreement about who should be screened, if screening should be selective or universal, or how screening should be performed. Moreover, the most commonly used criteria in the United States differ from the European and World Health Organization standard criteria. This article describes the background for diabetes testing, current evidence for testing and diagnosis in pregnant women, “risks” of diagnosis, and various screening procedures and protocols, using data‐based evidence when available. Midwifery practice recommendations are also made, including examination of risk factors as clinical decisions are made about guidelines.