Clinical predictors for diabetes screening in the first year postpartum after gestational diabetes

Background — Postpartum screening for diabetes in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) improves with use of reminder systems. Our primary objective was to identify predictors of diabetes screening in the first year after delivery.

Methods — A retrospective study was performed of 556 women with GDM who received outpatient prenatal care between 2007 and 2009. A mailed reminder system was utilized at two sites. Rates of postpartum glucose testing at 6 and 12 months postpartum were measured.

Results — Site of care and non-smoking status were identified as the only predictors of postpartum diabetes screening (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). Rates of OGTT completion at one year (38% vs. 19%; p < 0.001) were higher in women who attended clinics with postpartum reminders.

Conclusions — The site of diabetes care in pregnancy is a major predictor of adherence to diabetes screening postpartum. Healthcare delivery should be considered in the development of strategies to increase screening rates.