058. GESTATIONAL DIABETES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES IN PREGNANCY IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

In the last 30 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM) in Australia. GDM has become a significant population health issue and Australia has been at the forefront of international research into its significance and management. More recently, the tsunami of GDM has been followed by a growing wave of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent than type 1 diabetes in pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common. However, diabetes itself is but one factor influencing outcomes in this group of women, with obesity, cultural issues and socioeconomic disadvantage being other significant issues. The research of our group has focused on examining traditional and non-traditional risk factors for GDM, and for the progression from GDM to type 2 diabetes in Australia. Our research has also been directed towards breaking the nexus between GDM and type 2 diabetes. The identification of women with GDM is an opportunity to institute interventions to prevent both GDM and type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately there are numerous barriers to improving lifestyle and reducing diabetes risk in this population. The National Diabetes Services Scheme has provided the opportunity to start translating some of our research into health promotion activities. The NDSS has greatly aided the management of diabetes and GDM by providing subsidised diabetes related products. It has also been established to provide information and services to people with diabetes. As part of this charter, the NDSS has recently started health promotion activities in the area of diabetes in pregnancy. It will underpin a national recall and screening program for diabetes after GDM, and forms the basis for other public health initiatives such as providing information to women with diabetes in pregnancy, facilitating the prevention of diabetes after GDM.