AVOIDANCE OF INFANT RISKS THROUGH A GENERAL SCREENING FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES, INTENSIVE DIAGNOSIS AND CONSEQUENT THERAPY

Only 10% of all gestational diabetic mothers in Germany are diagnosed with the current risk-screening. The elevated perinatal risks in case of an unrecognized or insufficiently treated gestational diabetes remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to determine if the number of recognized cases could be increased by a general screening method, and with intensive medical diagnostics the complication rate reduced. Routine blood glucose samplings during the outpatient care were performed throughout the pregnancy. In case of values over 100mg/dl a 75g OGTT was done for an exclusion of gestational diabetes. In case of gestational diabetes the patients were asked to follow a special exercise and diet programme as well as self-blood glucose determinations throughout the day. The amniotic fluid insulin level was of substantial value for the indication of insulin therapy. In 6% of the screened patients a gestational diabetes was diagnosed. There was a significant increase (p < 0,001) of fetal macrosomia and diabetic fetopathy in the group without amniocentesis (n=22) in comparison to the group with invasive (n=81). We demand the introduction of a general screening for every pregnant patient. By an intensification of the diagnostic methods as well as by a strictly appropriate therapy it should be possible to reduce the fetal and neonatal complications.