Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Upto 5% of women will develop diabetes in pregnancy, which is increasing as a result of higher rates of obesity and older age. Diabetes in pregnancy is related increased risk to the mother and to the foetus.

Aims: To assess the management of diabetes in pregnancy and monitor outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective study that included 92 pregnant females, who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes following and oral glucose tolerance test. Patients were seen weekly initially by the diabetologist, diabetes specialist nurse, diabetes midwife and obstetrician.

Results: Of the 92 women included in the study only 5 had babies weighing more than 4000 grams and 2 women suffered from mild pre-eclampsia. 52% of women were obese (BMI>30) and 31% were overweight. There was a correlation between mothers’ BMI and baby weight. Of the 92 patients, 52% were Caucasian and 42% south Asians. Treatment: 28% were managed on diet, 42% with metformin, 3% on insulin and 20% on insulin and metformin. Mean fasting blood glucose before commencing treatment was 5.01 mmol/l and this reduced to 4.96, 4.71 and 4.67 mmol/l over the next few weeks. Mean blood glucose 1 hour after breakfast was 6.81 and this reduced to 6.74, 6.48 and 6.43 mmol/mol over the next few weeks.

Conclusion: Increased incidence of GDM in south Asian population. However outcomes for mother and baby were favourable in both groups. Frequent monitoring can improve outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with diabetes in pregnancy.