A Review of the Current Status of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Australia-The Clinical Impact of Changing Population Demographics and Diagnostic Criteria on Prevalence

Abstract

The current status of gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia reveals an almost quadrupling prevalence over the last decade. A narrative review of the current Australian literature reveals unique challenges faced by Australian maternity clinicians when addressing this substantial disease burden in our diverse population. Rising rates of maternal overweight and obesity, increasing maternal age and the diversity of ethnicity are key epidemiological impactors, overlaid by the 2015 changes in screening and diagnostic parameters. Our vast land mass and the remote location of many at risk women requires innovative and novel ideas for pathways to diagnose and effectively manage women with gestational diabetes mellitus. By modifying and modernizing models of care for women with gestational diabetes mellitus, we have the ability to address accessibility, resource management and our acute response to global events such as the COVID 19 pandemic. With continuing research, education and robust discourse, Australia is well placed to meet current and future challenges in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: COVID-19; diverse; epidemiological impactors; ethnicity; gestational diabetes mellitus; maternal age; model of care; obesity; prevalence; remote.

Figure 1

The number of women diagnosed with GDM in Australia per year (National Diabetes Service Scheme—NDSS) pre- and post-2015 IADPSG guideline implementation. Solid vertical columns refer to total GDM diagnoses enrolled with NDSS per annum.