There is actually very little evidence to support the routine screening of all antenatal women for gestational diabetes. In fact NICE in the UK have recommended against routinely screening women who have no risk factors or symptoms.
You can download a copy of their Antenatal Guidelines on thier web-site: www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=guidelines.completes
Henci Goer, in her book "Obstetric Myths and Research Realites" is quite scathing in her denouncement of routine screening for gestational diabetes and asserts that outcomes are not improved by screening.
It is my belief that much of the routine screening that we see today is motivated by the fear of litigation and results in defensive obstetrics.
Leanne.
From: Michelle Windsor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [email protected] To: Ozmidwifery <[email protected]> Subject: [ozmidwifery] Gestational diabetes Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 23:12:11 +1100 (EST)
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone has some good recent research in relation to gestational diabetes. What I'm looking for is data similar to what is found in ''A guide to effective care in pregnancy"... Enkin et al which states all forms of glucose testing should be reviewed due to the 50%-70% false positives and that there is no clear benefit obtained with treating gestational diabetes. This is from the cochrane data base but was printed in 2000. I've just spent a few hours searching the web and I can't find more recent info than this. We're trying to get good evidence so we can continue to keep well controlled gestational diabetic women in our birth centre program (for over 10 years they have been birthing at the birth centre without any problems).
Thanks in advance Michelle
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Leanne Wynne Midwife in charge of "Women's Business" Mildura Aboriginal Health Service Mob 0418 371862
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