WDF joins initiative to reduce maternal mortality
In an effort to reduce maternal mortality across India the Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), has launched multiple long-term initiatives aimed at achieving the UN Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality.
23 May 2013 Brit Larsen
The World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) joins hands with FOGSI and the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) to ensure that gestational diabetes is addressed as part of the maternal health services.
Dramatic rise in gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is included in the initiative to reduce maternal mortality given a dramatic rise in the prevalence. “Pregnancy related diabetes is steadily increasing in India from 2 % in 1982 to 7.2 % in 1991 and it had doubled to 16.55 % in 2002,” explains Dr V Seshiah, Chairman of DIPSI. “Unless, we tackle this problem on a war-footing, we will be adding more number of people to the diabetic population, which is not a good health indicator for a developing country like ours.”
As a first step to prepare health care providers to address diabetes FOGSI, DIPSI and WDF are preparing 100 master trainers (gynaecologists and endocrinologists) to train 1,000 ObGyns through a speciality course on GDM. The curriculum includes early detection, case management, counselling, referral and prevention of GDM to help them provide focussed and specialised care of women with gestational diabetes.
Both child and mother affected
Diabetes is often diagnosed in women during their childbearing years and can affect the health of both the mother and her unborn child. Poor control of diabetes during pregnancy increases the chances for birth defects and other problems for the baby. It can cause serious complications for the woman, also. Proper health care before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes.
Dr Anil Kapur, Member of the WDF Board of Directors said, “Given the high risk of GDM amongst Indians, all women must be screened for pre-existing but previously unknown diabetes as soon as possible in the pregnancy and again during the 24th to 28th week to rule out GDM. Because women with GDM continue to be at high risk of future diabetes they require repeated follow up. Even if one develops GDM, it can be treated and most complications avoided. Moreover, the risk of future diabetes in the mother and offspring can be greatly reduced with a healthy lifestyle post pregnancy and this includes a balanced diet, adequate exercise and ensuring that weight gained during pregnancy is lost.”