[Diagnosis and therapy of gestational diabetes--comparison of two surveys of established gynecologists in Berlin and Saxonia-Anhalt ].

PURPOSE

The diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus is controversial. We undertook a survey of obstetricians/gynaecologists to identify current screening practices and differences between Saxonia-Anhalt and Berlin.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to 267 practicing obstetricians/gynaecologists in Saxonia-Anhalt and 441 in Berlin. The questionnaires included items on the diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes.

RESULTS

A response rate of 37 % in Saxonia-Anhalt and 35 % in Berlin was achieved. 90 % of the respondents would welcome the integration of a general screening for gestational diabetes into the standard German prenatal care plan. In spite of this great support only 37 % of the obstetricians/gynaecologists in Saxonia-Anhalt and 36 % in Berlin screened their patients generally. Important risk factors for the screening were rarely or not mentioned.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

The survey confirms disparate policies regarding the screening for and treatment of gestational diabetes. There are differences between Saxonia-Anhalt and Berlin. This can only be changed by appropriate inclusion in the German prenatal care plan.