Screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus in UK obstetric units

Aim To identify current screening practices for gestational diabetes mellit us (GDM) in all maternity units. Methods A questionnaire was sent to the senior obstetrician of all obstetri c units known to the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Results A response rate of 84% was achieved. 89% of units reported that the y screened for GDM with a wide variation in the screening methods used, bot h between and within units. The most commonly employed procedure (81% of un its) 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 antenata l clinic and 58% of units have written guidelines for screening. Seventy-si x per cent of units would welcome national guidelines. Conclusion The majority of obstetric units in the UK screen for GDM but wit h little consensus on the appropriate screening methods. National guideline s would probably be welcomed.