Gestational diabetes mellitus in Iran - experience from the National Diabetes Program

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the non-communicable disease (NCD) known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Specifically, this paper aims to examine the influence of NCDs on health outcomes both worldwide and throughout the Islamic Republic of Iran, to discuss the current issues surrounding GDM and its impact on pregnant women and their children, and to present a new multi-faceted approach for preventing future occurrences of GDM. Design/methodology/approach - The paper examines the current issues surrounding NCDs and GDM, in terms of its prevalence and risk factors, and the efforts taken by the Iranian government to address the growing problem of GDM, through a comprehensive literature review. Further, this paper presents the basis for a new multi-faceted approach for addressing and preventing GDM. Findings - GDM is an NCD that can damage the health of both mothers and children. The disease has been linked to macrosomia, congenital cardiac and central nervous system abnormalities, and skeletal muscle deformities among neonates. Pregnant women who develop GDM are more likely to have induced labor, require caesarean section, and develop type 2 diabetes later in life. In the most severe cases, GDM can even result in fetal and maternal mortality. Worldwide prevalence of GDM varies by country, but Iranian women are a particularly high-risk population. In fact, approximately one of every 20 pregnancies in Iran will be affected by complications and outcomes related to GDM. Originality/value - In response to growing concerns surrounding the current prevalence of GDM both worldwide and within the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with the associated impact of GDM on health outcomes, the paper presents a multi-faceted approach for addressing this NCD. This approach will involve a consolidated program of prevention and control with a focus on health-care solutions which promote both awareness and education.