Missed opportunities for diabetes prevention: post-pregnancy follow-up of women with gestational diabetes mellitus in England

Barriers and system improvements for physical activity promotion after gestational diabetes: A qualitative exploration of the views of healthcare professionals

AIM

Physical activity is an important behaviour for managing the ten times increased risk of type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. Previous studies exploring physical activity promotion in healthcare focus on general practitioners but have not explored the gestational diabetes pathway. Therefore, this paper explores the barriers to and suggestions for, activity promotion along the gestational diabetes healthcare pathway.

METHODS

The paper was written in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Patient and Public Involvement with women who had lived experiences of gestational diabetes informed purposeful sampling by identifying which healthcare professional roles should be targeted in participant recruitment. Participants were recruited through word-of-mouth, that is, email and connections with local healthcare service leads. Twelve participants took part in semi-structured one-to-one interviews, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants included a Public Health Midwife (n = 1), Diabetes Midwifes (n = 3), Diabetes Dietitian (n = 1), Diabetes Consultants (n = 2), Diabetes Specialist Nurse (n = 1), general practitioners (n = 2), Practice nurse (n = 1) and a Dietitian from the UK National Diabetes Prevention Program (n = 1). Six themes were generated: 'management of gestational diabetes takes precedent', 'poor continuity of care', 'lack of capacity to promote PA', 'beliefs about the acceptability of PA promotion', 'resources to support conversations about PA' and 'adapting healthcare services for women post-gestational diabetes'.

CONCLUSIONS

During pregnancy messaging around physical activity is consistent, yet this is specific for managing gestational diabetes and is not followed through postnatally. Improvements in continuity of care are necessary, in addition to ensuring the availability and links with wider exercise and activity schemes.

Implementing care for women with gestational diabetes after delivery-the challenges ahead

Gestational diabetes (GDM), defined as glucose intolerance during pregnancy, affects one in six pregnancies globally and significantly increases a woman's lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Being a relatively young group, women with GDM are also at higher risk of developing diabetes related complications (e.g., cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) later in life. Children of women with GDM are also likely to develop GDM and this perpetuates a cycle of diabetes, escalating our current pandemic of metabolic disease. The global prevalence of GDM has now risen by more than 30% over the last two decades, making it an emerging public health concern. Antepartum management of maternal glucose is unable to fully mitigate the associated lifetime cardiometabolic risk. Thus, efforts may need to focus on improving care for women with GDM during the postpartum period where prevention or therapeutic strategies could be implemented to attenuate progression of GDM to DM and its associated vascular complications. However, strategies to provide care for women in the postpartum period often showed disappointing results. This has led to a missed opportunity to halt the progression of impaired glucose tolerance/impaired fasting glucose to DM in women with GDM. In this review, we examined the challenges in the management of women with GDM after delivery and considered how each of these challenges are defined and could present as a gap in translating evidence to clinical care. We highlighted challenges related to postpartum surveillance, postpartum glucose testing strategies, postpartum risk factor modification, and problems encountered in engagement of patients/providers to implement interventions strategies in women with GDM after delivery. We reasoned that a multisystem approach is needed to address these challenges and to retard progression to DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with GDM pregnancies. This is very much needed to pave way for an improved, precise, culturally sensitive and wholistic care for women with GDM.

Follow-up and screening for type-2 diabetes mellitus in women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care

OBJECTIVE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that is possible to prevent by systematic follow-up and preventive measures. The aim of this study was to examine whether women with previous GDM were offered follow-up in primary care, according to Swedish national guidelines.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of electronic medical records.

SETTING

Primary care in southern Sweden, Skåne county.

SUBJECTS

Women who received a GDM diagnosis in 2018 at the Endocrinology department, Skåne University Hospital in Lund. The study population consisted of a total number of 161 patients, whereof 83 patients were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Whether primary care offered follow-up for T2DM after GDM and if any communication took place between secondary and primary care. Furthermore, it was examined whether the quality of the follow-up was in accordance with the national guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the study population, a total of 29% (n = 24) had been followed-up by primary care. In 55% (n = 46) of the cases, there was no communication between secondary and primary care. Plasma glucose was checked in all (n = 20) cases where follow-up could be evaluated. Conversations about lifestyle habits took place in 70% (n = 14) of the cases. Weight and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were controlled in less than half (n = 9) of the patients. Lifestyle advice was offered in two cases and in 24% (n = 20) of the cases an annual check-up was planned.

CONCLUSIONS

The follow-up of women with previous GDM in primary care in southern Sweden was lacking in seven out of 10 cases and showed great potential for improvement.Key PointsGestational diabetes is an established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.Earlier research has recognized that risk reduction is possible by systematic follow-up and preventive measures, but the extent of follow-up in primary care in southern Sweden remains unknown.This study demonstrates a lack of follow-up according to national guidelines for women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care in southern Sweden.There is great potential to improve the care of these patients with relatively simple means.

Gestational diabetes mellitus follow-up in Norwegian primary health care: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a tenfold increased risk of developing diabetes, and a high risk of recurrent GDM. Endorsing the life-course approach aiming to prevent disease and promote health across generations, the Norwegian GDM guideline recommends follow-up in primary care after delivery, with information on the increased risks, lifestyle counselling, and annual diabetes screening. Few reports exist on Norwegian women's experiences of GDM follow-up.

AIM

To elucidate women's experiences with follow-up of GDM in pregnancy and after delivery, and to explore their attitudes to diabetes risk and motivation for lifestyle changes.

DESIGN & SETTING

Qualitative study in primary care in the region of Stavanger, Norway.

METHOD

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted 24-30 months after delivery with 14 women aged 28-44 years, with a history of GDM. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Most women were satisfied with the follow-up during pregnancy; however, only two women were followed-up according to the guideline after delivery. In most encounters with GPs after delivery, GDM was not mentioned. To continue the healthy lifestyle adopted in pregnancy, awareness of future risk was a motivational factor, and the women asked for tailored information on individual risk and improved support. The main themes emerging from the analysis were as follows: stigma and shame; uncertainty; gaining control and finding balance; and a need for support to sustain change.

CONCLUSION

Women experienced a lack of support for GDM in Norwegian primary care after delivery. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, women suggested being given tailored information and improved support.

Postpartum opportunistic advice in primary care for women who have had gestational diabetes: a qualitative study of health care professionals' views

BACKGROUND

Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, but their understanding of the risks is often limited. In this study we explored the views of health care professionals regarding offering brief opportunistic advice to women after their pregnancy, during unrelated consultations in primary care, relating to reducing diabetes risk.

METHODS

The study took place in three Health Boards in Scotland. We conducted semi-structured one-to-one interviews (either face-to-face or telephone) with two health visitors, three practice nurses, two GPs, two diabetes consultants and two obstetricians. A focus group with five health visitors was also held. A topic guide was followed, covering the feasibility and acceptability of delivering brief opportunistic advice during a routine consultation, the optimal way to identify and recall women with previous gestational diabetes, and the possible content and timing of any such intervention. A thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data generated.

RESULTS

The interviews/discussion lasted from 15 to 51 min. There was widespread support from all participants for offering opportunistic advice, and general consensus that health visitors would be best placed to do this as part of the Universal Health Visiting Pathway in Scotland. Thematic analysis generated three significant points of discussion: implications for training of health visitors, the need for a systematic approach to identifying women with gestational diabetes, and the optimal timing of delivery. Despite an already demanding schedule of providing advice and education to women, health visitors were confident that they could offer educational advice, provided that they received appropriate training to do so. However, there would need to be a watertight system for identifying women in their care who had had gestational diabetes. In terms of timing, later visits around 6-8 months after delivery were considered most suitable.

CONCLUSIONS

There is support from health care professionals, and most pertinently from health visitors, that the frequency of routine visits with women during the Universal Health Visiting Pathway programme in Scotland provides potential opportunities for education around future diabetes risk to women who have had gestational diabetes.

'Oh, I've got an appointment': A qualitative interview study exploring how to support attendance at diabetes screening after gestational diabetes

AIMS

To explore the views of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on suggested practical approaches to support diabetes screening attendance after GDM, which is recommended but poorly attended.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 participants in Cambridgeshire, UK who had been diagnosed with GDM and were 3-48 months postpartum. Interviews covered whether participants had been screened and why, plans for future screening and their views on potential interventions to facilitate attendance (at the first postpartum test and annual testing). Framework analysis was used to analyse the transcripts. The interview schedule, suggested interventions and thematic framework were based on a recent systematic review.

RESULTS

Sixteen participants had undergone screening since pregnancy, explaining that they had an appointment arranged and wanted reassurance that they did not have diabetes. The participants who had not been tested were not aware that it was recommended. Only 13 had planned to attend subsequent tests at the start of the interview. Eight themes to support future attendance were discussed. The majority of the participants agreed that changing the processes for arranging tests, offering choice in test location and combining appointments would facilitate attendance. Child-friendly clinics, more opportunities to understand GDM and the role of postpartum testing, stopping self-testing and increasing their GP's awareness of their pregnancy received inconsistent feedback. The nature of the test used did not appear to influence attendance.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants wanted to be screened for diabetes after GDM. We have identified interventions that could be relatively simply incorporated into routine practice to facilitate screening attendance, such as flexibility in the appointment location or time and sending invitations for tests.

Inadequate postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes in women with previous gestation diabetes mellitus: A retrospective audit of practice over 17 years

INTRODUCTION

Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) are at greatly increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The UK guidance recommends screening for T2DM at around 6-week postpartum and annually thereafter. We evaluated conformity to this guidance in two separate time periods.

METHODS

The proportion of tests performed within guidance was assessed using longitudinal plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin data in two cohorts (1999-2007, n = 251; 2015-2016, n = 260) from hospital records on women previously diagnosed with GDM.

RESULTS

In the 1999-2007 and 2015-2016 cohorts, 59.8% and 35.0% of women had the recommended postpartum testing, respectively (P < .001); just 13.5% and 14.2%, respectively, underwent the first annual test on time. During long-term follow-up of the 1999-2007 cohort (median follow-up: 12.3 years), the proportion of women tested in any given year averaged 34.2% over a 17-year period; there was a progressive decline in the proportion of women receiving a yearly test with time since delivery (P = .002). Over the follow-up period, 85 women from the 1999-2007 cohort developed blood test results in the diabetic range with a median time to presumed DM diagnosis of 5.2 years (range 0.11-15.95 years). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 18.8% of women had blood test results in the diabetes range by 5-year postpartum and 37.8% by 10-year postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high profile guidelines and a clear clinical rationale to screen women with a past diagnosis of GDM, many women did not receive adequate screening for T2DM both in the short term and long term. This suggests that alternative approaches are needed to ensure effective follow-up of this high-risk group. To have an impact, interventions need to be tailored to a young, generally healthy group in which traditional approaches to follow-up may not be best suited.

Barriers to postpartum diabetes screening: a qualitative synthesis of clinicians' views

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later in life. Postpartum screening provides an opportunity for early detection and management of T2DM, but uptake is poor.

AIM

To explore barriers to screening from clinicians' perspectives to guide future interventions to increase uptake of postpartum screening.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Systematic review and qualitative synthesis.

METHOD

Qualitative studies included in a previous review were assessed, and then five electronic databases were searched from January 2013 to May 2019 for qualitative studies reporting clinicians' perspectives on postpartum glucose screening after GDM. Study quality was assessed against the Critical Appraisal Skills Programmes checklist. Qualitative data from the studies were analysed using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included, containing views from 187 clinicians from both community and hospital care. Three main themes were identified: difficulties in handover between primary and secondary care (ambiguous roles and communication difficulties); short-term focus in clinical consultations (underplaying risk so as not to overwhelm patients and competing priorities); and patient-centric barriers such as time pressures.

CONCLUSION

Barriers to diabetes screening were identified at both system and individual levels. At the system level, clarification of responsibility for testing among healthcare professionals and better systems for recall are needed. These could be achieved through registers, improved clinical protocols, and automatic flagging and prompts within electronic medical records. At the individual level, clinicians should be supported to prioritise the importance of screening within consultations and better educational resources made available for women. Making it more convenient for women to attend may also facilitate screening.

Women's engagement, views and experiences of postnatal follow-up after gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The evidence base relating to women's engagement and experiences of postnatal care following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the United Kingdom is limited. Additionally, the uptake of a postnatal fasting blood glucose testing following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus appears to be poor.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore women's engagement, views and experiences of postnatal care following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the United Kingdom.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

An online survey of participants that had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus was undertaken to gather mixed-methods data regarding women's engagement, views and experiences of postnatal care. Demographic data were also collected.

FINDINGS

A total of 31 participants completed the online survey; respondents were from two countries in the United Kingdom only (England and Wales). Some respondents indicated positive postnatal experiences following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (such as good family support) with effective communication by some healthcare teams and screening coinciding with engagement with the routine six week follow-up appointment. Overall, findings indicated a general dissatisfaction with the care provided, mostly due to the inconsistency of information and advice in relation to the type of screening test and the timing, location and organisation of blood glucose screening and follow up care.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an insight into ways that may improve women's engagement, views and experiences of postnatal care following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in England and Wales.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Findings indicate a lack of consistent adherence to national guidance. A clear care pathway facilitating continuity of care for women in the postnatal period following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, along with further education and support for health professionals, may improve the provision of postnatal care. The authors recognise the limitations of this small standalone study however, findings highlight the need for further exploration of postnatal follow up following Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the UK.

Metformin for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Women with a Previous Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) when compared with women who have not had GDM. To delay or prevent T2DM, guidelines recommend regular screening in the primary care setting and lifestyle interventions that are largely focused on dietary and physical activity modifications. As the postpartum period can be challenging for women, uptake and engagement in screening and lifestyle interventions have been poor. Poor uptake and engagement places women with a history of GDM at heightened risk for future morbidity and development of T2DM. Metformin has been a longstanding and safe treatment for the control of blood glucose in people with T2DM. Research has supported the efficacy of metformin, used as an adjunct to a lifestyle intervention or as a stand-alone treatment, in preventing T2DM in people at high risk of T2DM. Findings from longitudinal studies have demonstrated the potential for metformin to reduce conversion to T2DM when used by women with a previous diagnosis of GDM. This review examines the potential effectiveness of metformin to reduce the incidence of T2DM among women with a previous diagnosis of GDM in the "real-world" setting.

Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on the Cross-Sectoral Treatment Pathway for Women with Gestational Diabetes during and after Pregnancy-A Qualitative Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of adverse outcomes during and after pregnancy, including a long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. Women with GDM are treated by numerous healthcare professionals during pregnancy and describe a lack of preventive care after pregnancy. We aim to investigate healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the cross-sectoral treatment pathway for women with GDM—during and after pregnancy. A qualitative study was conducted using systematic text condensation. Nine healthcare professionals (two general practitioners, four midwives, two obstetricians and one diabetes nurse) were interviewed and eight health visitors participated in two focus group discussions., Three major themes emerged: (1) “professional identities”, which were identified across healthcare professionals and shaped care practices; (2) ”unclear guidelines on type 2 diabetes prevention after GDM”, which contributed to uncertainty about tasks and responsibilities during and after pregnancy; and (3) “cross-sectoral collaboration”, which relied heavily on knowledge transfers between hospitals, general practice and the local municipality. The findings implicate that clear, transparent guidelines for all sectors should be prioritized to strengthen cross-sectoral care to women with GDM during and after pregnancy. As a result, strong cross-sectoral care throughout the GDM care pathway may improve maternal health by supporting healthy behaviors, facilitate weight loss and reduce the risk of subsequent GDM and early onset diabetes.

Women's views on screening for Type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes: a systematic review, qualitative synthesis and recommendations for increasing uptake

AIM

Many women do not attend recommended glucose testing following a pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes (GDM). We aimed to synthesize the literature regarding the views and experiences of women with a history of GDM on postpartum glucose testing, focusing on barriers and facilitators to attendance.

METHODS

We systematically identified qualitative studies that examine women's experiences following GDM relating to glucose testing (diabetes screening) or experience of interventions to promote uptake of testing. We conducted a thematic synthesis to develop descriptive and then analytical themes, then developed recommendations to increase uptake based on the findings. We evaluated the quality of each study and the confidence that we had in the recommendations using published checklists.

RESULTS

We included 16 articles after screening 23 160 citations and 129 full texts. We identified four themes of influences relating to the healthcare system and personal factors that affected both ability and motivation to attend: relationship with health care, logistics of appointments and tests, family-related practicalities and concern about diabetes. We developed 10 recommendations addressing diabetes risk information and education, and changes to healthcare systems to promote increased attendance at screening in this population, most with high or moderate confidence.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified a need to improve women's understanding about Type 2 diabetes and GDM, and to adjust healthcare provision during and after pregnancy to decrease barriers and increase motivation for testing. Encouraging higher uptake by incorporating these recommendations into practice will enable earlier management of diabetes and improve long-term outcomes.

Experiences of lifestyle change among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): A behavioural diagnosis using the COM-B model in a low-income setting

Background

Lifestyle change can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). While understanding women’s lived experiences and views around GDM is critical to the development of behaviour change interventions to reduce this risk, few studies have addressed this issue in low- and middle- income countries. The aim of the study was to explore women’s lived experiences of GDM and the feasibility of sustained lifestyle modification after GDM in a low-income setting.

Methods

This was a descriptive qualitative study on the lived experiences of women with prior GDM, who received antenatal care at a public sector tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. Nine focus groups and five in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of thirty-five women. Data were analysed using content analysis and the COM-B (Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations and Behaviour) model to identify factors influencing lifestyle change during and beyond the GDM pregnancy.

Results

The results suggest that the COM-B model’s concepts of capability (knowledge and skills for behaviour change), opportunity (resources for dietary change and physical activity) and motivation (perception of future diabetes risk) are relevant to lifestyle change among GDM women in South Africa. The results will contribute to the design of a postpartum health system intervention for women with recent GDM.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the need for health services to improve counselling and education for women with GDM in South Africa. Support from family and health professionals is essential for women to achieve lifestyle change. The experience of GDM imposed a significant psychological burden on women, which affected motivation for lifestyle change. To achieve long-term lifestyle change, behaviour interventions for women with prior GDM need to address their capability, opportunity and motivation for lifestyle change during and beyond pregnancy.

Continued Disparities in Postpartum Follow-Up and Screening Among Women With Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

The postpartum period represents a critical window to initiate targeted interventions to improve cardiometabolic health following pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and/or a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine studies published since 2011 that report rates of postpartum follow-up and risk screening for women who had gestational diabetes and/or a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and to identify disparities in care. Nine observational studies in which postpartum follow-up visits and/or screening rates were measured among US women following pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes and/or a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were reviewed. Rates of postpartum follow-up ranged from 5.7% to 95.4% with disparities linked to black race and Hispanic ethnicity, low level of education, and coexisting morbidities such as mental health disorders. Follow-up rates were increased if the provider was an obstetrician/endocrinologist versus primary care. Payer source was not associated with follow-up rates. The screening rate for diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes did not exceed 58% by 4 months across the studies analyzed, suggesting little improvement in the last 10 years. While women who had a hypertensive disorder appear to have had a postpartum blood pressure measured, it is unclear whether follow-up intervention occurred. Overall, postpartum screening rates for at-risk women remain suboptimal and vary substantially. Further research is warranted including reliable population-level data to inform equitable progress to meeting the evidence-informed guidelines.

Improving Uptake of Postnatal Checking of Blood Glucose in Women Who Had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Universal Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review is to look at the barriers to uptake and interventions to improve uptake of postnatal screening in women who have had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Increasing postnatal screening rates could lead to timely interventions that could reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the associated long-term health complications, and the financial burden of T2DM. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. PubMed, Embase, Medline, CINAHL and the Cochrane library databases were searched using well-defined search terms. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to identify relevant manuscripts. Data extractions and quality assessments were performed by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. Eleven primary studies of various research design and three systematic reviews were included. We identified seven themes within these studies and these were described in two categories, barriers and interventions. There appeared to be no single intervention that would overcome all the identified barriers, however, reminders to women and healthcare professionals appear to be most effective. Uptake rates of testing for T2DM are low in women with GDM. Interventions developed with consideration of the identified barriers to uptake could promote greater numbers of women attending for follow-up.

Barriers to Postpartum Glucose Intolerance Screening in an Italian Population

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and the postpartum period is crucial for early treatment in at-risk women. However, despite recommendations, only a fraction of women undergo a postpartum screening for glucose intolerance (ppOGTT). The present study aims to verify the reason(s) for poor adherence in our population. Research design and methods: This retrospective study includes 451 women in which GDM was diagnosed between 2015⁻2016. During 2017, we verified by phone interview how many women underwent ppOGTT at 6⁻12 weeks postpartum, as recommended by the Italian guidelines. The non-compliant women were asked about the reason(s) for failing to screen. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and the 2-tailed Fisher exact test were used to compare continuous and categorical features, respectively, among women performing or non-performing ppOGTT. Results: Out of 451 women with GDM diagnosis, we recorded information from 327. Only 97 (29.7%) performed ppOGTT. The remaining 230 women (70.3%) provided the following explanation for non-compliance: (1) newborn care (30.4%); (2) misunderstood importance (28.3%); (3) oversight (13.0%); (4) unavailability of test reservation in the nearest centers (10.4%); (5) normal glycemic values at delivery (8.3%); (6) discouragement by primary care physician (5.6%). Conclusions: In our population, most women with recent GDM failed to perform ppOGTT. Our results indicated that the prominent barriers could potentially be overcome.

Postpartum glucose intolerance: an updated overview

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased worldwide over the past three decades, as a consequence of the more westernized lifestyle, which is responsible for the increasing obesity rate in the modern adult's life. Concomitant with this increase there has been a gradual rise in the overall prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, a condition that strongly predisposes to overt diabetes later in life. Many women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus show glucose intolerance in the early postpartum period. Although the best screening strategy for postpartum glucose intolerance is still debated, numerous evidences indicate that identification of these women at this time is of critical importance, as efforts to initiate early intensive lifestyle modification, including hypocaloric diet and physical activity, and to ameliorate the metabolic profile of these high-risk subjects can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, less than one fifth of women attend the scheduled postpartum screening following gestational diabetes mellitus and they are at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus later in their lives. Unsatisfying results have also come from early intervention strategies and tools that have been developed during the last few years to help improving the rate of adherence to postpartum glycemic testing, thereby indicating that more effective strategies are needed to improve women's participation in postpartum screening.

Metabolic syndrome in Finnish women 7 years after a gestational diabetes prevention trial

BACKGROUND

Risk for developing metabolic syndrome (MeS) after delivery is high among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but little is known about development of MeS among women with risk factors for GDM during pregnancy. In the present study, we studied the prevalence of MeS 7 years postpartum among women with GDM risk factors during pregnancy, women with early GDM diagnosis and women without GDM risk factors. We also analysed the early pregnancy risk factors associated with MeS.

METHODS

A Finnish cluster randomised controlled GDM prevention trial was conducted in 2007-2009. The prevalence of MeS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria was determined in the follow-up study 7 years after original trial. Eligible participants (n=289) in 4 study groups (intervention (n=83) and usual care (n=87) with GDM risk factors; early GDM (n=51), and healthy control without GDM risk factors (n=68)) were evaluated for MeS. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyse risk factors associated with MeS.

RESULTS

7 years postpartum, the MeS prevalence was 14% (95% CI 8% to 25%) in the intervention group; 15% (CI 8% to 25%) in the usual care group; 50% (CI 35% to 65%) in the early GDM group and 7% (CI 2% to 18%) in the healthy control group. OR for MeS in women with GDM risk factors did not differ from the healthy control group. Body mass index (BMI)-adjusted OR for MeS was 9.18 (CI 1.82 to 46.20) in the early GDM group compared with the healthy control group. Increased prepregnancy BMI was associated with MeS (OR, 1.17, CI 1.08 to 1.28, adjusted for group).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased prepregnancy BMI and early GDM diagnosis were the strongest risk factors for developing MeS 7 years postpartum. Overweight and obese women and especially those with early GDM should be monitored and counselled for cardiometabolic risk factors after delivery.

Improving follow-up care for women with a history of gestational diabetes: perspectives of GPs and patients

This paper investigates factors influencing women’s engagement with diabetes preventative care after a pregnancy with gestational diabetes (GDM) from the perspectives of GPs and women and explores the role of the GP in that care. Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews with women who had experienced GDM (n=16) and GPs (n=18) were conducted and a thematic content analysis conducted. Women’s interviews explored their experience of GDM, factors influencing, and engagement with, follow-up care for diabetes prevention and role of the GP in that care. GP interviews explored postnatal care provided to women with GDM, the role of the GP in that care and perceived factors influencing a mother’s engagement in her self-care. Three themes were identified: (1) advice and testing; (2) role of the GP; and (3) barriers and enablers to care. Significant consensus about the role of the GP and barriers and enablers to care existed. Both groups believed post GDM follow-up is best done by GPs and suggested recall and reminders would improve care. GPs gave consistent exercise advice, but lacked consensus on follow-up testing, dietary and weight-loss advice. Women’s health literacy influenced how they viewed their GPs role. Consensus guidelines on follow-up testing and diabetes prevention advice, tailored advice according to health literacy and addressing barriers to care would likely improve the capacity of GPs to prevent unnecessary conversion to type 2 diabetes in these at-risk women.

Glucose tolerance status of Asian Indian women with gestational diabetes at 6weeks to 1year postpartum (WINGS-7)

AIM

To determine postpartum glucose tolerance status among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) recruited under the Women In India with GDM Strategy (WINGS) Model of Care (MOC).

METHODS

Through the WINGS MOC programme, 212 women with GDM were followed till delivery between November 2013 and August 2015. All women were advised to return for a postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 6-12weeks after delivery. A multivariate logistic regression (MLR) model was developed to identify the risk factors for postpartum dysglycemia which was defined as presence of diabetes (DM) or prediabetes.

RESULTS

203/212(95.8%) women completed their postpartum OGTT. Of the 161 women (79.3%) who came back for the test between 6 and 12weeks, 2(1.2%) developed DM, 5(3.1%), isolated IFG, 13(8.1%), isolated IGT and 5(3.1%) combined IFG/IGT [dysglycemia 25(15.5%)]. 136 women (84.5%) reverted to normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Of the 42 women who came back between 12weeks and a year, 5(11.9%) developed DM, 10(23.8%), isolated IFG and 1(2.4%) combined IFG/IGT [dysglycemia 16(38.1%)]. 26/42 women (61.9%) reverted to NGT. Thus overall dysglycemia occurred in 41/203 women (20.2%). MLR showed that BMI ⩾25kg/m(2) was significantly associated with postpartum dysglycemia (odds ratio: 4.47; 95% confidence interval: 1.8-11.2, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among Asian Indian women with GDM, over 20% develop dysglycemia within one year postpartum, and BMI ⩾25kg/m(2) increased this risk four-fold. Early postpartum screening can identify high risk women and help plan strategies for prevention of type 2 diabetes in the future.

Quantification of the type 2 diabetes risk in women with gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 95,750 women

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but individualised risk estimates are unknown. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes for women with GDM.

METHODS

We systematically searched the major electronic databases with no language restrictions. Two reviewers independently extracted 2 × 2 tables for dichotomous data and the means plus SEs for continuous data. Risk ratios were calculated and pooled using a random effects model.

RESULTS

There were 39 relevant studies (including 95,750 women) BMI (RR 1.95 [95% CI 1.60, 2.31]), family history of diabetes (RR 1.70 [95% CI 1.47, 1.97]), non-white ethnicity (RR 1.49 [95% CI 1.14, 1.94]) and advanced maternal age (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.09, 1.34]) were associated with future risk of type 2 diabetes. There was an increase in risk with early diagnosis of GDM (RR 2.13 [95% CI 1.52, 3.56]), raised fasting glucose (RR 3.57 [95% CI 2.98, 4.04]), increased HbA1c (RR 2.56 [95% CI 2.00, 3.17]) and use of insulin (RR 3.66 [95% CI 2.78, 4.82]). Multiparity (RR 1.23 [95% CI 1.01, 1.50]), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (RR 1.38 [95% CI 1.32, 1.45]) and preterm delivery (RR 1.81 [95% CI 1.35, 2.43]) were associated with future diabetes. Gestational weight gain, macrosomia in the offspring or breastfeeding did not increase the risk.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Personalised risk of progression to type 2 diabetes should be communicated to mothers with GDM.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO CRD42014013597.

The forgotten risk? A systematic review of the effect of reminder systems for postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes in women with previous gestational diabetes

Background

Screening for type 2 diabetes is recommended for women with previous gestational diabetes (GDM). However, the screening rates remain low. We aimed to evaluate the reminders and reminder systems for women with previous GDM and the health professionals in primary and secondary health care with screening rate among postpartum women as primary outcome.

Methods

Observational and intervention studies were included and the PRISMA guidelines were followed for the literature extraction.

Results

Six studies were included: two long-term follow up studies and four early terms. Five studies focused on secondary care settings and one on primary care. Three studies focused on reminders to postpartum women only, two studies to both the women and health care professional, and one study on the health care provider only. Types of reminders varied from letters, emails, and personal telephone calls to the women to register-based reminders or letters to the health care professionals. Reminders were efficient but efficiency varied between studies. Two studies found that direct telephone calls strengthened the reminding of the women. The effect of reminding both the women and the health professional screening rates decreased compared to reminding either health professionals or reminding the women separately.

Conclusions

Reminders have a potential for early detection and prevention of type 2 diabetes in this high risk group of women; however, the kind of reminder and the frequency of reminders should be carefully considered accordingly to the target group.

Investigating the effects of treatment based on single high blood glucose in gestational diabetes screening on maternal and neonatal complications

PURPOSE

To create a positive step toward achieving an efficient method for gestational diabetes treatment, the present study was carried out to compare the treatment outcomes based on single impaired blood glucose versus regular method in health care centers in Iran.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was carried out in Tehran/Iran between March 2012 and August 2013. Study sample consisted of mothers whose fasting blood sugar was disturbed or a disturbed blood sugar was seen in OGTT with 75 g glucose load, according to ADA standards. For each outcome, multiple logistic regressions were used to control for the effects of potential confounders. When a confounder was measured on a continuous scale (e.g., age), LOWESS (locally weighted scatter plot smoothing) algorithm was used to determine whether the effect of that variable was linear. We also used the fractional polynomial regression to determine the optimal transformation of continuous covariates.

RESULTS

The information of 189 pregnant women was used in this study; 87 in the interventional group (46 %) and 102 in the control group (54 %). Treatment based on the new protocol has very high protective effect (OR 0.25, 95 % CI 0.68-0.88) in terms of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This difference was not seen in other outcomes including stillbirth, macrosomic newborn delivery, hypoglycemia, and hypocalcemia. The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia reduced after the 25th week of gestation (OR 0.39, 95 % CI 0.15-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the treatment of mild gestational diabetes could not significantly decrease severe neonatal outcomes, it did significantly reduce the risk of hyperbilirubinemia and its subsequent complications.

Clinician views and knowledge regarding healthcare provision in the postpartum period for women with recent gestational diabetes: a systematic review of qualitative/survey studies

AIM

To examine clinician views and knowledge regarding postpartum healthcare provision for women who have experienced gestational diabetes (GDM).

METHODS

Systematic review that searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CINAHL. Qualitative studies and surveys, with clinicians as participants, which reported pre-specified outcomes, including barriers and facilitators to postpartum care for GDM, were included. Two authors independently assessed quality and undertook thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Eleven surveys and two interview studies were included (4435 clinicians). Key themes included adequacy of knowledge of risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), gaps between knowledge and practice relating to postpartum screening, and differing perceptions of the value of postpartum screening. Clinicians perceived that women faced obstacles to accessing healthcare, and a need for improved GDM education. Studies reported shortfalls in systems to ensure postpartum screening occurs, and a need to improve communication and collaboration relating to care of women who have experienced GDM. The surveys were often limited in their depth and ability to identify remedial strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers to provision of care for women who have had GDM, such as lack of communication of the diagnosis, need to be addressed, and further interview studies exploring clinician views on screening for T2DM are required.

Prevention of Diabetes after Gestational Diabetes: Better Translation of Nutrition and Lifestyle Messages Needed

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Gestational Diabetes (GDM) are important and escalating problems worldwide. GDM increases the risk of complications in pregnancy and birth, as well as a 1 in 2 chance of developing T2DM later in life. The burden of GDM extends to offspring, who have an increased risk of obesity and diabetes-further perpetuating the cycle of diabetes within families. Clinical trial evidence demonstrates T2DM incidence reduced by up to 50% for women with GDM with nutrition and physical activity changes and the economic modeling suggests cost effectiveness. The key diet-related changes to reduce T2DM risk are reviewed, in addition to breastfeeding. The difficulties associated with the delivery of dietary and lifestyle behaviour change to women after GDM are discussed and focus on: complex healthcare system interactions needed for care delivery; women finding postpartum self-care challenging; and low levels of awareness being present across the board. In addition, studies currently underway to improve care provision in this important area will be examined.

Diabetes screening after gestational diabetes in England: a quantitative retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends postpartum and annual monitoring for diabetes for females who have had a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

AIM

To describe the current state of follow-up after GDM in primary care, in England.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective cohort study in 127 primary care practices. The total population analysed comprised 473 772 females, of whom 2016 had a diagnosis of GDM.

METHOD

Two subgroups of females were analysed using electronic general practice records. In the first group of females (n = 788) the quality of postpartum follow-up was assessed during a 6-month period. The quality of long-term annual follow-up was assessed in a second group of females (n = 718), over a 5-year period. The two outcome measures were blood glucose testing performed within 6 months postpartum (first group) and blood glucose testing performed annually (second group).

RESULTS

Postpartum follow-up was performed in 146 (18.5%) females within 6 months of delivery. Annual rates of long-term follow-up stayed consistently around 20% a year. Publication of the Diabetes in Pregnancy NICE guidelines, in 2008, had no effect on long-term screening rates. Substantial regional differences were identified among rates of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring of females after GDM is markedly suboptimal despite current recommendations.

Postpartum care for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus across urban, rural and remote locations: a protocol for a cohort linkage study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing, along with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal(a)) women in Australia particularly affected. GDM causes serious complications in pregnancy, birth, and the longer term, for women and their infants. Women with GDM have an eightfold risk of developing T2DM after pregnancy, compared to women without GDM. Indigenous women have an even higher risk, at a younger age, and progress more quickly from GDM to T2DM, compared to non-Indigenous women. If left undetected and untreated, T2DM increases risks in subsequent pregnancies, and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations and blindness for the woman in the longer term. A GDM diagnosis offers a 'window of opportunity' to provide acceptable and effective prevention, treatment, and postpartum care. Low rates of postpartum T2DM screening are reported among non-Aboriginal women in Australia and Indigenous women in other countries, however, data for Aboriginal women in Australia are scarce. A healthy diet, exercise and breastfeeding can delay the onset of T2DM, and together with T2DM screening are recommended elements of postpartum care for women with GDM. This paper describes methods for a study evaluating postpartum care among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women with GDM.

METHODS/DESIGN

This retrospective cohort includes all women who gave birth at Cairns Hospital in far north Queensland, Australia, from 2004 to 2010, coded as having GDM in the Cairns Hospital Clinical Coding system. Data is being linked with the Midwives Perinatal Data Collection, and the three local laboratories. Hospital medical records are being reviewed to validate accuracy of GDM case ascertainment, and gather information on breastfeeding and provision of dietary advice. Survival analysis is being used to estimate time to screening, and rates of progression from GDM to T2DM. Logistic regression is being used to compare postpartum care between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women, and assess factors that may be associated with provision of postpartum care.

DISCUSSION

There are challenges to collecting postpartum data for women with GDM, however, this research is urgently needed to ensure adequate postpartum care is provided for women with GDM.

Physician care patterns and adherence to postpartum glucose testing after gestational diabetes mellitus in Oregon

OBJECTIVE

This study examines obstetrician/gynecologists and family medicine physicians' reported care patterns, attitudes and beliefs and predictors of adherence to postpartum testing in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In November-December 2005, a mailed survey went to a random, cross-sectional sample of 683 Oregon licensed physicians in obstetrician/gynecologists and family medicine from a population of 2171.

RESULTS

Routine postpartum glucose tolerance testing by both family physicians (19.3%) and obstetrician/gynecologists physicians (35.3%) was reportedly low among the 285 respondents (42% response rate). Factors associated with high adherence to postpartum testing included physician stated priority (OR 4.39, 95% CI: 1.69-7.94) and physician beliefs about norms or typical testing practices (OR 3.66, 95% CI: 1.65-11.69). Specialty, sex of physician, years of practice, location, type of practice, other attitudes and beliefs were not associated with postpartum glucose tolerance testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum glucose tolerance testing following a gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancy was not routinely practiced by responders to this survey. Our findings indicate that physician knowledge, attitudes and beliefs may in part explain suboptimal postpartum testing. Although guidelines for postpartum care are established, some physicians do not prioritize these guidelines in practice and do not believe postpartum testing is the norm among their peers.