Screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus in UK obstetric units

Aim To identify current screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in all maternity units. Methods A questionnaire was sent to the senior obstetrician of all obstetric units known to the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Results A response rate of 84% was achieved. 89% of units reported that they screened for GDM with a wide variation in the screening methods used, both between and within units. The most commonly employed procedure (81% of units) was screening based on the presence of maternal risk factors. The 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was the commonest diagnostic test (79% of units). Sixty-six per cent of units operate a combined diabetic antenatal clinic and 58% of units have written guidelines for screening. Seventy-six per cent of units would welcome national guidelines. Conclusion The majority of obstetric units in the UK screen for GDM but with little consensus on the appropriate screening methods. National guidelines would probably be welcomed.