BMJ  2008;336:717-718 (29 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39518.615058.AE

Practice

Commentary: Controversies in management of diabetes from preconception to the postnatal period

Lucy C Chappell, senior lecturer in maternal and fetal medicine1, Sarah J Germain, specialist registrar2

1 Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, 2 Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH

Correspondence to: Lucy C Chappell lucy.chappell@kcl.ac.uk

doi: 10.1136/bmj.39505.641273.AD

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Why does the United Kingdom remain so far from achieving the aim of "a pregnancy outcome for women with diabetes that equates with that of women without diabetes," an aim outlined at the landmark St Vincent meeting of diabetes experts, government representatives, and patient organisations nearly 20 years ago?1 Pregnancy outcomes in the UK continue to be substantially worse for women with pre-existing diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), with rates of congenital anomalies and perinatal mortality significantly higher than in non-diabetic women and with care regularly falling short of the required standard.2 Many of the recommendations in the new guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) seem sensible and will be of use to all healthcare professionals in this area, but in places they are surprisingly clear cut given the relative paucity of high quality evidence.

The guidelines suggest a comprehensive programme of care . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Management of diabetes from preconception to the postnatal period: summary of NICE guidance
The Guideline Development Group
BMJ 2008 336: 714-717. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Rapid Responses:

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Associations and causes in diabetic pregnancy.
Martin Quinn
bmj.com, 2 Apr 2008 [Full text]
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