Prescribing of oral antihyperglycaemic agents in gestational diabetes by the antenatal diabetes team within the UK: an observational survey

Abstract

The incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) continues to rise and requires management by a multidisciplinary diabetes antenatal team. Multiple national and international guidelines exist on the management of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy which are not concordant and may lead to confusion in clinical practice. Limited studies have been conducted examining prescribing habits for hyperglycaemia in GDM. Our survey examined the prescribing practices relating to oral antihyperglycaemic agents (OAHAs, unlicensed for use in pregnancy but widely prescribed) by health care professionals within the UK caring for women with GDM. Although metformin is widely used, our survey highlights heterogeneity in the use of OAHAs with respect to drug choice, timing of introduction, dosage and escalation of glucose lowering therapy. The cause of this heterogeneity appears multi-factorial. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.