A service evaluation of the impact of adoption of JBDS guidelines for the management of glucose during labour and birth in women with diabetes

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to report on the impact of adopting the Joint British Diabetes Society for Inpatients (JBDS-IP) guidelines on the achievement of targets recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods: We analysed case records of pregnant women with diabetes who delivered in the period between November 2017 and October 2018 from our data base ‘Euroking’ (Wellbeing Software Ltd, Mansfield). Data were collected in relation to the availability of a dedicated prescription chart in the notes, capillary blood glucose (CBG) monitoring, use of variable rate intravenous insulin infusion (VRIII), maintenance of CBG targets within 4.0–7.0 mmol/L, maternal hypoglycaemia during labour when on VRIII and neonatal hypoglycaemia.Results: Sixty women with diabetes in our database delivered during this period. Thirty-six (60%) were monitored with hourly CBG monitoring and 30 (50%) achieved CBG levels within the NICE recommended target range. Only five women (8.3%) were started on VRIII. There was no maternal hypoglycaemia in the VRIII group. One baby (1.7%) developed mild neonatal hypoglycaemia.Conclusion: Adoption of JBDS guidelines contributed to 60% of women with diabetes receiving complete CBG monitoring, of whom 70% achieved the NICE recommended target of 4.0–7.0 mmol/L during labour and birth. Repeat CBG measurements before starting VRIII, strict adherence to clear JBDS guidelines and protocols, daily review by the diabetes team during the working week and appropriate use of VRIII was associated with good maternal and neonatal outcomes.