GESTATIONAL DIABETES SURVEY

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine how residents in obstetrics an d gynecology and fellows in maternal-fetal medicine are currently bein g trained to diagnose and manage gestational diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaires were mailed to 202 obstetrics and gynecology re sidency program directors and 78 maternal-fetal medicine fellowship di rectors. RESULTS: Sixty-four (82%) of the maternal-fetal medicine dire ctors Versus 142 (70%) of the residency directors responded. Universal Screening, use of a 50 gm glucose challenge with a 1-hour-postingesti on sample, no requirements for fasting before the screening test, use of two abnormal values on the 3-hour glucose tolerance test to define gestational diabetes mellitus, and initiation of insulin far elevated fasting glucose levels in spite of diet therapy were each recommended by > 90% of the respondents. CONCLUSION: Although the optimal manageme nt of gestational diabetes mellitus remains controversial, program dir ectors are in general agreement with many aspects of the diagnosis and management.