Keeping you up to date with reliable diabetes research, policy & guidance
A recent UK Health Technology Assessment pointed out the problems with screening for type 2 diabetes. However, research continues into the performance of tools to detect type 2. On the basis of this paper, we won’t be changing that advice any time soon. Methods This community screening study was undertaken in urban settings in the [read the full story…]
Different grades of monofilament are used to test the sensitivity of different areas of a patient’s foot. This systematic review set out to establish the accuracy of this method for diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Clinical question: In diabetic patients does monofilament testing diagnose peripheral neuropathy? The evidence: Fourteen studies were included in the review, comprising [read the full story…]
There remains some uncertainty about the best diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This systematic review set out to test the ability of different glucose levels after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clinical question: In women with gestational diabetes, what is the risk of adverse outcomes? The [read the full story…]
This systematic review found that the 50g test is not accurate enough to diagnose gestational diabetes on its own. Clinical question In pregnant women <32 weeks gestation, what is the sensitivity and specificity of the 50g glucose challenge test? The conventional test for diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in which a woman [read the full story…]
Gestational diabetes can cause serious complications for mother and baby. Early detection and management of the condition is key to preventing harm. But what if our diagnostic tools are not up to scratch? International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) Consensus Panel has recently issued an updated set of guidelines for diagnosing [read the full story…]
It is normal for a women to develop some insulin resistance during pregnancy. In around 7% of women, this resistance is excessive, causing hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. This is known as gestational diabetes and it can have serious consequences for both mother and baby. The test for gestational diabetes is very inconvenient, usually involving [read the full story…]
