Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Postpartum Follow Up Testing: Challenges and Solutions

Publication date: Available online 7 May 2019Source: Canadian Journal of DiabetesAuthor(s): B. Bhavadharini, R.M. Anjana, R. Pradeepa, M. Deepa, R. Uma, V. MohanAbstractOne in every four pregnancies is affected by hyperglycaemia, of which 90% is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with GDM are at a high risk of developing both short-term and long-term complications. Various studies have shown the heightened risk of type 2 diabetes among women with GDM. Despite clear evidence from published literature about the substantial risk that GDM imposes on women after delivery, rates of postpartum follow up have been low in most parts of the world. Several reasons such as lack of awareness among health care professionals, patient related barriers like emotional stress and adjusting to motherhood have been cited as reasons for poor follow up rates. In order to address these issues and come up with solutions to improve the postpartum follow up rates, it is important to understand these barriers both from the patient as well as the health care system points of view. In this review, we have summarized some of the key issues contributing to the low postpartum follow up rates and have discussed possible strategies to tackle them. Use of proactive reminder systems, like postal service, telephone call, SMS, e-mail, recall registries for GDM and utilization of mobile health technology are some of the key strategies that have been discussed in this review. A brief note on the Women in Ind...
Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research