Author Interviews, CDC, Diabetes, OBGYNE / 30.10.2014
Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Preconception Care May Improve Outcomes and Save Billions
MedicalResearch.com: Interview with:
Dr. Cora Peterson PhD
Health Economist at Centers for Disease Control
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Dr. Peterson: Women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) have increased risk for adverse birth outcomes. Preconception care for women with pregestational diabetes mellitus reduces the frequency of such outcomes, most likely by improving glycemic control before and during the critical first weeks of pregnancy.
Preconception care for women with pregestational diabetes mellitus includes the following activities:
- medical or dietary blood sugar control, blood sugar monitoring, screening and treatment of complications due to diabetes,
- counseling and education about the risks of diabetes in pregnancy, and
- using effective birth control or contraceptives until appropriate levels of blood sugar are achieved.