PURPOSE: The diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus is controversial. We undertook a survey of obstetricians/gynaecologists to identify current screening practices and differences between Saxonia-Anhalt and Berlin. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 267 practicing obstetricians/gynaecologists in Saxonia-Anhalt and 441 in Berlin. The questionnaires included items on the diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes. RESULTS: A response rate of 37 % in Saxonia-Anhalt and 35 % in Berlin was achieved. 90 % of the respondents would welcome the integration of a general screening for gestational diabetes into the standard German prenatal care plan. In spite of this great support only 37 % of the obstetricians/gynaecologists in Saxonia-Anhalt and 36 % in Berlin screened their patients generally. Important risk factors for the screening were rarely or not mentioned. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: The survey confirms disparate policies regarding the screening for and treatment of gestational diabetes. There are differences between Saxonia-Anhalt and Berlin. This can only be changed by appropriate inclusion in the German prenatal care plan.
