Medical nutrition therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus: A survey among dietitians

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to elicit information on the perception of dietitians about gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their dietetic practices. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted among dietitians working in hospitals, maternity centers, and other clinics using the purposive sampling criterion. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain details about the perception of GDM, guidelines used, dietetic screening, assessment, interventions and follow-up. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency of total number of responses for each question. Fisher’s exact test on perception of GDM, operating guidelines and topics discussed in diet consultations with respect to the years of clinical experience, age group and educational qualification of the participants were performed. Results: Perception of dietitians on family history of type2 DM as an associated risk factor of GDM had significant association with their clinical experience. Majorly discussed topic in diet consultation was carbohydrate distribution followed by protein requirement, fiber and small frequent meal pattern. On the basis of clinical experience of dietitians, difference was observed in discussed topics such as hypoglycemia, food groups, post-natal diet, and breast feeding. A major inconsistency observed was the nonavailability or lack in the use of pregnancy specific screening tool. Conclusion: Specific screening tools for pregnancy should be brought into practice. There is also the need for sustainable protocols in hospitals for uniformity in management of GDM.