Negotiating Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in India: A National Approach

• Main Authors: Uday Thanawala, Hema Divakar, Rajesh Jain, Mukesh M. Agarwal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
• Series: Medicina
• Subjects: gestational diabetes; epidemiological studies; less-developed countries; prevention
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/9/942
• ISSN: 1010-660X; 1648-9144

The worldwide epidemic of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) presents many challenges, some of which are country-specific. To address these specific problems, parochial resolutions are essential. In India, the government, by working in tandem with (a) national groups such as the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India, and (b) global organizations such as the International Diabetes Federation, has empowered the medical and paramedical staff throughout the country to manage HIP. Additionally, despite their academic university backgrounds, Indian health planners have provided practical guidelines for caregivers at the ground level, who look up to these experts for guidance. This multipronged process has helped to negotiate some of the multiple problems that are indigenous and exclusive to India. This review traces the Indian journey to manage and prevent HIP with simple, constructive, and pragmatic solutions.