Follow-up and screening for type-2 diabetes mellitus in women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care

ObjectiveGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that is possible to prevent by systematic follow-up and preventive measures. The aim of this study was to examine whether women with previous GDM were offered follow-up in primary care, according to Swedish national guidelines.DesignRetrospective review of electronic medical records.SettingPrimary care in southern Sweden, Skane county.SubjectsWomen who received a GDM diagnosis in 2018 at the Endocrinology department, Skane University Hospital in Lund. The study population consisted of a total number of 161 patients, whereof 83 patients were included.Main outcome measuresWhether primary care offered follow-up for T2DM after GDM and if any communication took place between secondary and primary care. Furthermore, it was examined whether the quality of the follow-up was in accordance with the national guidelines.ResultsOf the study population, a total of 29% (n = 24) had been followed-up by primary care. In 55% (n = 46) of the cases, there was no communication between secondary and primary care. Plasma glucose was checked in all (n = 20) cases where follow-up could be evaluated. Conversations about lifestyle habits took place in 70% (n = 14) of the cases. Weight and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were controlled in less than half (n = 9) of the patients. Lifestyle advice was offered in two cases and in 24% (n = 20) of the cases an annual check-up was planned.ConclusionsThe follow-up of women with previous GDM in primary care in southern Sweden was lacking in seven out of 10 cases and showed great potential for improvement.