ASSESSING SCREENING APPROACHES FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS: INSIGHTS FROM A PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN INDIA
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Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) pose significant health challenges during pregnancy, warranting effective screening strategies. This study examines differing approaches to screening, comparing the commonly used two-step method in the United States with the simplified Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) technique, specifically within the context of an observational study conducted in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, KVV, Karad, India, from April 2022 to September 2023. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee, with participants selected based on first-trimester pregnancy and absence of pre-existing diabetes mellitus. Screening was conducted using the DIPSI technique, aligning with the updated World Health Organization (WHO) standards advocating for a one-step process. Findings underscore the critical importance of early detection and intervention in GDM, revealing associations with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Notably, birth weights ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 kg were consistent across GDM and IGT groups, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring throughout pregnancy and at birth. These insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimizing screening protocols for gestational diabetes mellitus, particularly in resource-constrained settings like India.