Department of Biomedical Sciences

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Browsing Department of Biomedical Sciences by Author "Adam, S."

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    Prevalence of and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in South Africa
    (South African Medical Association, 2019-06-28) Dias, S.; Adam, S.; Rheeder, P.; Pheiffer, C.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse maternal, fetal and perinatal complications. Without appropriate glucose management, women with GDM and their offspring have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions later in life, thereby adding to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This review provides an update of GDM in South Africa (SA), showing that its prevalence is increasing, and highlights treatment and management strategies currently employed. Although the increase in GDM prevalence may partly be due to less stringent diagnostic criteria, the role of the increasing obesogenic environment in SA is an additional factor. Future research should focus on reducing the rising obesity epidemic and in so doing aim to prevent the development of GDM in SA. Such initiatives will have a positive impact on decreasing maternal and child morbidity and mortality and the future burden of NCDs.
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    Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in South Africa : what we know so far
    (South African Medical Association, 2019-06-28) Dias, S.; Pheiffer, C.; Rheeder, P.; Adam, S.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The early detection and management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) present an ideal opportunity to decrease perinatal complications and adverse long-term health outcomes in mothers and their offspring. This review describes the major GDM screening and diagnostic strategies used worldwide, including novel screening and diagnostic methods that are being explored. It highlights the varied screening and diagnostic strategies currently employed in South Africa (SA). The lack of uniform GDM diagnostic criteria and variation in clinical practice hamper early detection and management of GDM, which negatively affects maternal and child health. We recommend that an SA diabetes-in-pregnancy study group, comprising interested obstetricians, physicians, endocrinologists, public health specialists, dieticians and scientists, be established to make evidence-based recommendations on affordable, accessible and applicable GDM screening and diagnostic and management strategies.