GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA

Pacific populations have some of the highest prevalences for diabetes in the world. Whilst universal screening for diabetes in pregnancy does yield the best pick-up rate it is not economically feasible in developing countries. Traditional risk factors have increasingly been shown to miss most gestational diabetes, particularly in populations for whom family history is unknown and obstetrical history not recorded. This study shows genetic origin to be a potent marker for gestational diabetes in a Pacific Island population. It is recommended that in Port Moresby 'at-risk ethnicity' (urban Motuan or Marshall Lagoon origin) be added to the list of indications for antenatal glucose tolerance testing in Papua New Guinean women.