Universal Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Universal Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
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Universal Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to the carbohydrate intolerance that is first recognized or begins during pregnancy and is often linked to increased fetal, maternal and neonatal risks (2011). The American Diabetes Association (2013) reported that roughly 7 percent of all pregnancies are complicated by GDM resulting in over 200,000 cases every year. If not closely monitored and treated, GDM may cause serious complications such as a high-weight baby (Henci, 2004). Universal screening for GDM has several pros and cons.
Pros: Some women might be undiagnosed diabetics who have developed GDM, and the screening will reveal this. When the woman develops GDM in pregnancy, it depicts higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life (Henci, 2004). Therefore, universal screening may provide greater motivation to lose weight as well as exercise regularly, which may reduce the risk. Being diagnosed with GDM might encourage these women to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle early on, and this may be an effectual way to postpone or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes later in life. Another pros is that universal screening helps to identify babies who are a greater risk of adverse outcomes, although the mothers have glucose levels that are increased but still deemed to be within the normal limits. Moreover, it can help reduce perinatal mortality especially when treatment is done after the universal screening.
Cons: There is noteworthy controversy regarding the ethics and efficacy of universal screening. The concern/worry is that the diagnosis often comes with a greater likelihood of medical interventions for instance caesarean sections a...