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 with gestational diabetes.1 Maternity services are increasingly screening women and treating gestational diabetes, after the demonstration of significant perinatal benefits.2

Within 10 years, 35-60% of women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.3 These women are an already identified high risk group. Their children are also more likely to be obese and share a genetic propensity to type 2 diabetes.4

Following up women with gestational diabetes allows the targeting of two high risk people without additional screening. Many health service contacts are made in the first year of a child’s life, therefore interventions may be easily delivered. Also, many women are receptive to health advice around the time of a 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 feeding and . . . [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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Different strategies for screening and prevention of type 2 diabetes in adults: cost effectiveness analysis
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