Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Postpartum Follow-Up Testing: Challenges and Solutions

Publication date: Available online 7 May 2019Source: Canadian Journal of DiabetesAuthor(s): Bhavadharini Balaji, Anjana Ranjit Mohan, Pradeepa Rajendra, Deepa Mohan, Uma Ram, Mohan ViswanathanAbstractOne in every 4 pregnancies is affected by hyperglycemia, of which 90% is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with GDM are at a high risk of developing both short- 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 and patient-related barriers, such as emotional stress and adjusting to motherhood, have been cited as reasons for poor follow-up rates. To address these issues and come up with solutions to improve postpartum follow-up rates, it is important to understand these barriers both from the patient and 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, such as postal service, telephone call, short messaging service and e-mail, recall registries for GDM and utilization of mobile health technology are some of the key strategies that have been discussed in this re...
Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research