Gestational diabetes: screening uptake, current challenges and the future – a focused review

Abstract

The increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in women with a history of previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been established and is well recognised. Post-partum screening for T2DM is essential to identify those at higher risk and allow for the implementation of preventative interventions. However, attendance rates for post-partum glucose screening in women with previous GDM remain substantially low, with only half of them attending screening. This review aimed to outline the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) post-partum screening recommendations and compare them with the guidelines being used worldwide, provide information on post-partum screening uptake and possible determinants of uptake in the UK, and to briefly discuss both patient health implications and the financial burden associated with T2DM progression in the context of the National Health Service (NHS).