Diabetic screening in pregnancy

Abstract

Diabetic Screening in pregnancy is necessary for detecting gestational diabetes and unsuspecting diabetics early in pregnancy for better antenatal care and delivery. Early control of the blood sugar levels will prevent complications in late pregnancy. This study of 497 screened pregnant women draws attention to areas where improvement can be instituted. It emphasizes the criteria for screening and highlights the factors which are responsible for abnormal glucose tolerance and diabetes in pregnancy. Positive detection for diabetes was highest among pregnant women who are Indians, above 35 years, with high parity (three or more), with family history of diabetes in first degree relatives and with glycosuria. The need to repeat a Glucose Tolerance Test to diagnose diabetes in the third trimester is shown in women who have high risk factors and are found to have a negative GTT in the first and second trimester.