Reassessment of the new diagnostic thresholds for gestational diabetes mellitus: an opportunity for improvement

Zheng, Anna S Y; O’Leary, Tony; Moses, Robert G

doi:10.5694/mja14.01492

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To the Editor: A recent article by d'Emden focused on concerns about the new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).1 In his article, he states that “women may be charged higher life insurance premiums because of a prior diagnosis of GDM”.1 A similar unreferenced concern was also expressed in 2013.2

1 Wollongong Hospital, Wollongong, NSW.
2 Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association Inc, Melbourne, VIC.

Correspondence: anna.shi.z@gmail.com

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

1. d'Emden MC. Reassessment of the new diagnostic thresholds for gestational diabetes mellitus: an opportunity for improvement. Med J Aust 2014; 201: 209-211. <MJA full text>
2. Ryan EA. Balancing weight and glucose in gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care 2013; 36: 6-7.
3. Zheng ASY, O'Leary T, Moses RG. Gestational diabetes mellitus and life insurance: what is the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on life insurance premiums? Diabetes Care 2014; 37: e235.
4. Moses RG, Morris GJ, Petocz P, et al. The impact of potential new diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia. Med J Aust 2011; 197: 338-340. <MJA full text>
5. Duran A, Sáenz S, Torrejón MJ, et al. Introduction of IADPSG criteria for the screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus results in improved pregnancy outcomes at a lower cost in a large cohort of pregnant women: the St Carlos Gestational Diabetes Study. Diabetes Care 2014; 37: 2442-2450.

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