-
oa Gestational Diabetes in the Gulf Region: Streamlining care to optimise outcome
- Source: Journal of Local and Global Health Science, Volume 2015, Issue 1, May 2015, 2
-
- 05 February 2015
- 05 March 2015
- 20 May 2015
Abstract
The burden of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has notably been on the increase in many countries. This observed trend feeds into the growing problem of obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially in regions with higher background prevalence of diabetes such as the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). Despite the emerging body of evidence indicating adverse maternal and perinatal risks related to GDM, significant variations exist globally regarding the key components of GDM care, particularly, screening, diagnosis and long term follow up. This article appraises these key aspects of GDM across the GCC region against the backdrop of new global insights into the diagnosis and management of GDM. The options for minimising variations in screening and diagnosis and new opportunities for streamlining care across the Gulf region are explored. This proposition has the potential for driving an enabling environment for sharing best practices as well as engaging in collaborative research across the GCC.