Long-term follow-up of women with gestational diabetes mellitus: the South Australian Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Recall Register.
BACKGROUND
Women who have had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early detection and management of type 2 diabetes are important for reducing associated complications and costs.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate an existing register for long-term follow-up of women who have been diagnosed with GDM.


METHODS
Recruitment to the GDM Recall Register began at the diabetes centres of two hospitals in South Australia from July 2002, and was expanded to include a third hospital from September 2005. Women enrolled on the Register are sent an annual letter reminding them that they are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and encouraging them to get their blood glucose checked. An update form is also included for women to complete and return to the Register.


RESULTS
As at 30 June 2009, 817 women were enrolled on the Register. Of women diagnosed with GDM at the participating hospital sites, recruitment to the Register was 68.4% in 2002 and 64.4% in 2007. Of the 429 women who had been sent their first reminder letter, 46.4% had returned the update form. Of these, 56.3% had undergone a glucose test for diabetes. Two women reported developing type 2 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Expansion of the GDM Recall Register is likely to result in increased opportunities for early detection of diabetes for this high-risk group in South Australia, therefore allowing earlier intervention and treatment to prevent or reduce serious, costly diabetes-related complications.
Population Research and Outcome Studies Unit, South Australian Department of Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
Catherine R
CR
Chittleborough
Katherine L
KL
Baldock
Anne W
AW
Taylor
William M
WM
Hague
Toni
T
Willson
Wendy
W
Martin
Jenny
J
Wood
Patrick J
PJ
Phillips
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology
D001786:Blood Glucose