OVERVIEW

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Course is organized by Ausmed Education Pty Ltd.

First Published: 05 March 2016
Updated: 12 March 2023
Expires: 29 March 2024

Course OverviewHealth professionals are required to demonstrate competence in caring for patients who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This Ausmed Course will discuss predisposing factors for GDM, changes to treatment and diagnostic criteria, and how a diagnosis of GDM impacts subsequent pregnancies and ongoing health for patients.

Topics:
• Overview and risk factors of gestational diabetes;
• Treatment options;
• Education and future implications.

Need:
In 2016-17 gestational diabetes mellitus affected 15% of all women from 15 to 49 years of age who gave birth in hospital (AIHW 2019). Due to this high prevalence of diabetes in Australia, health professionals are likely to encounter this condition and require the knowledge to appropriately educate, care for and identify at-risk women. Through appropriate evidence-guided actions, nurses and other health professionals can reduce maternal and fetal risks associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Purpose:
To provide health professionals with current, evidence-based information concerning gestational diabetes mellitus, in order to reduce both maternal and fetal risks.

Learning Outcomes:
• Enhanced evidence-based knowledge of the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes.
• Identify patients at high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.
• Able to initiate appropriate assessment, education, treatment, and referral for a person with gestational diabetes mellitus.