The world is currently undergoing an “obstetric transition” whereby some countries are seeing a shift from mostly direct causes of maternal mortality (e.g.: hemorrhage, obstructed labor and sepsis) to more indirect causes, often related to noncommunicable diseases. Diabetes in pregnancy—or gestational diabetes—is one of these indirect causes and is characterized by high blood glucose levels among women without a history of diabetes prior to becoming pregnant. As the global burden of diabetes in pregnancy continues to rise, addressing challenges with measurement, prevention and treatment is imperative to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity. This round-up of key papers, featured guidelines and other resources highlights some of the most pressing issues on this topic.
Key papers
Updated guidelines on screening for gestational diabetes
International Journal of Women’s Health | May 2015
Diabetes during pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries
American Journal of Perinatology | May 2016
Effect of treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcomes
New England Journal of Medicine | June 2005
Type 2 diabetes mellitus after gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
The Lancet | May 2009
Physical activity interventions in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Obstetrics & Gynecology | March 2015
From screening to postpartum follow-up – the determinants and barriers for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) services, a systematic review
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | January 2014
Incidence of adverse outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in low- and middle-income countries
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics | April 2013
Pre-pregnancy care for women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Public Health | September 2012
Primary prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus through nutritional factors: A systematic review
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | January 2017
Featured guidelines
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Initiative on gestational diabetes mellitus: A pragmatic guide for diagnosis, management, and care
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics | October 2015
Diagnostic criteria and classification of hyperglycaemia first detected in pregnancy
World Health Organization | 2013
Diabetes in pregnancy: Management from preconception to the postnatal period
NICE Guideline | August 2015
Practice bulletin no. 137: Gestational diabetes mellitus
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists | August 2013
Other resources
Diabetes in Pregnancy: An Epidemic Holding Back Progress
Series of discussions hosted by Women Deliver | April-May 2017
[Part 1] Examining the Evidence
[Part 2] Strategies in Practice
[Part 3] Fueling Action: Policy and Advocacy to Address the Rising Toll of Diabetes in Pregnancy
Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Neglected Cause of Maternal Mortality
Blog by Katja Iversen | May 2017
Gestational Diabetes Management: Improving Maternal Health Outcomes in Nicaragua
Presentation by Rebecca Firestone at the Global Maternal Newborn Health Conference | October 2015
Diabetes and Pregnancy
Infographic by Women Deliver | March 2016
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Stay tuned for the upcoming MHTF-PLOS Collection, “Non-Communicable Diseases and Maternal Health Around the Globe,” which will feature research related to diabetes in pregnancy.
Does your work address the global burden of diabetes in pregnancy? We want to hear from you!