Gestational diabetes

Area Partner   Project responsible Duration Project budget WDF contribution Project number

Tamil Nadu, India Dr. V. Seshiah Diabetes Care and Research Institute Prof. V. Seshiah August 2004 - April 2008 EUR 328,996 EUR 328,996 WDF04-067

Objective

The project seeks to create awareness among the public - in particular women's groups - on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to build capacity in the health care system to prevent, manage and control the problem.

Expected Impact

• An estimated 2,450 health care staff, including doctors, nurses, dieticians and extension educators will be trained directly or indirectly on symptoms, treatment and preventive/control measures
• Automatic screening for gestational diabetes among pregnant women will become institutionalised in the target areas

• An estimated 400 women with gestational diabetes will be treated and taught how to prevent subsequent type 2 diabetes for themselves as well as their families
• 2100 women at risk of gestational diabetes will be taught how to prevent subsequent diabetes for themselves as well as their families

Results to date

• Repeat training was given to 310 multi purpose health workers and 160 village health nurses
• In urban Chennai, Saidapet (Chennai) and in rural Tiruvallur pregnant women are screened and followed for 3 years after first contact. In Chennai 739 of 4131 screened women had GDM, in Tiruvallur, 391 of 4072 screened women had GDM and in Saidapet district of Chennai 653 of 5131 screened women had GDM
• Overall prevalence of GDM found during screening is 16,8% in urban Chennai and 10,8% in rural Tiruvallur
• Glucose intolerance six months after delivery has been detected in 17-26% of all the GDM cases
• The prevalence survey also indicates that 95% of women with gestational diabetes may be controlled with a meal plan and only 5% require insulin treatment
• A campaign has been held, targeting pregnant women, and women ranging from adolescent girls to elderly women with awareness about GDM, symptoms, population at risk and complications. Hour long television participation ensured that the message of GDM could be reached throughout Tamil Nadu and by Tamil speaking people nationwide. Slides on GDM were shown in cinemas
• As a result of the project's activities, the government of Tamil Nadu has issued a government order that screening for GDM in all antenatal women should be mandatory and it will be done free of cost. The government is planning to introduce standard GDM screening among all pregnant women by 1st or 2nd quarter 2008.

The intervention is continued under WDF08-312.

Additional information on the project can be found here.

This page was last updated 9-23-2008 by sfh.wdf