Perspectives on gestational diabetes mellitus in South Africa

V Nicolaou; N Levitt; K Huddle; S A Norris

In Practice

Perspectives on gestational diabetes mellitus in South Africa

V Nicolaou, N Levitt, K Huddle, S A Norris

Abstract

The field of gestational diabetes mellitus has attracted increasing attention and research in South Africa (SA) over the past decade, creating a better understanding of the disease burden, risk factors, availability of specialised healthcare services, and importantly the far-reaching maternal and childhood consequences beyond the pregnancy. This article brings together all the local published literature in the field and outlines the implications of this condition, together with recommendations regarding particular areas that require attention in order to prevent and alleviate the disease burden in SA.

Authors' affiliations

V Nicolaou, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

N Levitt, Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

K Huddle, Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

S A Norris, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Global Health Research Institute, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, UK