In addition to its Quality Standard on obesity prevention and lifestyle weight management services, NICE has also published the QS109 Quality Standard, covering the management of diabetes and its complications in women (all females of childbearing potential) who are planning a pregnancy and those who are already pregnant. It also covers areas in which additional or different care should be offered to women with diabetes and their newborn babies.
The advice has a list of seven quality statements as follows:
- Women with diabetes planning a pregnancy are prescribed 5 mg/day folic acid from at least 3 months before conception.
- 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.
- Pregnant women with pre‑existing diabetes have their HbA1c levels measured at their booking appointment.
- Pregnant women with pre‑existing diabetes are referred at their booking appointment for retinal assessment.
- Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are seen by members of the joint diabetes and antenatal care team within 1 week of diagnosis.
- Pregnant women with diabetes are supported to self‑monitor their blood glucose levels.
- Women who have had gestational diabetes have an annual HbA1c test.
Full details can be read at www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs109
