Dietetic management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand: A cross-sectional survey.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate dietetic practice in the management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand, compare this with evidence-based guidelines and determine the need for New Zealand-specific evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for gestational diabetes.

Methods: A 64-item cross-sectional online survey of New Zealand-registered dietitians providing care to women with gestational diabetes was undertaken. Participants were recruited through Dietitians New Zealand, District Health Boards and private practices across New Zealand. The survey examined dietetic service provision, management recommendations, guideline use, service evaluation, compliance with national and international guidelines and the perceived need for New Zealand-specific evidence-based guidelines for the nutritional management of gestational diabetes.

Results: Thirty-three (62%) eligible dietitians participated in the survey. There was significant variation in dietetic services and management recommendations. Nine (28%) dietitians felt the service within which they worked did not offer adequate dietetic services for women with gestational diabetes. Compliance with national and international evidence-based guidelines ranged from 28 to 100% depending on the recommendation. Twenty-five (76%) respondents felt there was a need for New Zealand-specific evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for gestational diabetes.

Conclusions: These results highlight differences in dietetic services and practice in New Zealand and variations in compliance with local and international evidence-based guidelines. The development of New Zealand-specific evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for gestational diabetes is supported.