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New Delhi, January 2024 – The Delhi Declaration, unveiled at the 18th Annual Conference of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI), heralds a transformative step in addressing the growing burden of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This landmark strategy focuses on early detection and management of GDM, aiming to reduce the long-term impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on mothers and their children.
Held in New Delhi, the conference highlighted the significance of the Delhi Declaration in advancing the primordial prevention of GDM. GDM, defined as glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy, is a critical health concern that predisposes mothers to type 2 diabetes and increases the likelihood of obesity and insulin resistance in their offspring.
The declaration underscores the importance of early screening, recommending testing as early as eight weeks into pregnancy. A 2-hour postprandial blood glucose level of 110 mg/dL at ten weeks can serve as an early indicator of GDM, enabling timely interventions to manage and mitigate risks.
A key aspect of the declaration is the adoption of a single-test protocol approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This cost-effective approach integrates medical nutrition therapy and, where necessary, metformin to control elevated glucose levels. Pilot studies presented at the conference demonstrated the efficacy of these measures, showing a significant reduction in GDM cases.
The declaration further outlines principles aimed at improving maternal and child health, including awareness campaigns, achieving euglycemia, and robust educational initiatives. By addressing GDM at its earliest stages, the declaration aspires to lay the foundation for a future free from diabetes, starting with the health of unborn generations.
“This declaration represents a paradigm shift in how we approach gestational diabetes,” said one of the conference speakers. “By intervening early, we can break the intergenerational cycle of diabetes and create healthier futures for families worldwide.”
With the Delhi Declaration setting a new global standard for GDM prevention, the DIPSI conference emphasized that early intervention and preventive strategies are critical to combating the rising prevalence of NCDs. The declaration’s framework promises to transform maternal and child health and pave the way for a diabetes-free future.
