Continuing Medical Education
Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in South Africa: What we know so far
Abstract
The early detection and management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) present an ideal opportunity to decrease perinatal complications and adverse long-term health outcomes in mothers and their offspring. This review describes the major GDM screening and diagnostic strategies used worldwide, including novel screening and diagnostic methods that are being explored. It highlights the varied screening and diagnostic strategies currently employed in South Africa (SA). The lack of uniform GDM diagnostic criteria and variation in clinical practice hamper early detection and management of GDM, which negatively affects maternal and child health. We recommend that an SA diabetes-in-pregnancy study group, comprising interested obstetricians, physicians, endocrinologists, public health specialists, dieticians and scientists, be established to make evidence-based recommendations on affordable, accessible and applicable GDM screening and diagnostic and management strategies.
Authors' affiliations
S Dias, Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
C Pheiffer, Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town; and Division of Medical Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
P Rheeder, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
S Adam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Sout Africa
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Date published: 2019-06-28
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