Screen women with gestational diabetes for type 2 diabetes

doi:10.1136/bmj.a243

BMJ 2008;336:1263 (7 June), doi:10.1136/bmj.a243

Letters

Screening for type 2 diabetes

Screen women with gestational diabetes for type 2 diabetes

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

One way to reduce type 2 diabetes would be to target women withgestational diabetes.¹ Maternity services are increasingly screeningwomen and treating gestational diabetes, after the demonstrationof significant perinatal benefits.²

Within 10 years, 35-60% of women with gestational diabetes willdevelop type 2 diabetes.³ These women are an already identifiedhigh risk group. Their children are also more likely to be obeseand share a genetic propensity to type 2 diabetes.⁴

Following up women with gestational diabetes allows the targetingof two high risk people without additional screening. Many healthservice contacts are made in the first year of a child’slife, therefore interventions may be easily delivered. Also,many women are receptive to health advice around the time ofa birth when new lifestyle patterns are being established.

Improved follow-up of these women with promotion of diet, exercise,and pharmacology, together with prolongation of breast feedingand . . . [Full text of this article]

Mark Sillender, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

¹ Kaleeya Hospital, Fremantle, WA 6158, Australia

marksillender@hotmail.com

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