Survey of diabetologists and obstetricians’ practice patterns related to care for gestational diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic in India

Abstract

Aim: There are limited data on the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This survey was carried out in India to understand the practice patterns of diabetologists and obstetricians (OBs) during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was designed, and the link to the survey was shared with doctors through email. Questions were related to the diagnosis and management of GDM both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 117 diabetologists and 90 OBs from different parts of India participated in the survey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetologists carried out higher random glucose and HbA1c tests and lower numbers of oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), but differences compared with before COVID-19 were nonsignificant. The OBs reported doing a significantly lower number of OGTTs (85.6% vs. 95.6%, P = 0.02) and significantly more HbA1c tests (16.7% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.03) and self-monitoring of blood glucose (59.4% vs. 37.1%, P < 0.0001) during the pandemic, than earlier. Although 97% of all the doctors surveyed reported using some form of telemedicine, several challenges were identified. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes in the management of women with GDM. The use of digital technologies could help improve the care of women with GDM during such pandemics.