New NICE Quality Standards for Diabetes Care

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published a new “Quality standards” document on managing diabetes and its complications in women who are planning a pregnancy and in women who are already pregnant.  This document, building on existing guidelines, sets out priorities for these women using 7 key statements, which are summarised below:

Statement 1. Women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy are prescribed 5 mg/day folic acid from at least 3 months before conception. (This is because these women are at greater risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect).

Statement 2. Women with pre‑existing diabetes are seen by members of the joint diabetes and antenatal care team within 1 week of their pregnancy being confirmed.

Statement 3. Pregnant women with pre‑existing diabetes have their HbA1c levels measured at their booking appointment. This test can be used to determine the level of risk for their pregnancy.

Statement 4. Pregnant women with pre‑existing diabetes are referred at their booking appointment for retinal assessment. (This is because these women are at a higher risk of progression of retinal deterioration).

Statement 5. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are seen by members of the joint diabetes and antenatal care team within 1 week of diagnosis.

Statement 6. Pregnant women with diabetes are supported to self‑monitor their blood glucose levels.

Statement 7. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an annual HbA1c test. (It is hoped this will lead to earlier detection of type 2 diabetes in some cases).
Full NICE document may be viewed here