Comparison of international and New Zealand guidelines for the care of pregnant women with diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To compare international guidelines for the care of women with diabetes and pregnancy with reported current practice among New Zealand tertiary centres.

Research design and methods: A literature review of national and international guidelines for the care of women with diabetes in pregnancy was undertaken. Guideline activities were placed within nine facets of care, from preconception advice, through pregnancy from screening to follow-up. New Zealand tertiary centres guidelines were obtained and placed in the same framework.

Results: International guideline consensus was inconsistent across most facets of care. Those for the detection and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were particularly discordant internationally, although intranational agreement has occurred.

Conclusions: International guidelines for the care of women with diabetes in pregnancy remain fragmented. The development of one set of guidelines based on the consensus of international best practice could overcome many of the misconceptions associated with diabetes in pregnancy.