RESUMO
Background: The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) offers an important opportunity for prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The prevalence of GDM is increasing even in rural parts of India. Family Physicians (FPs) and obstetricians working in rural areas need to be well equipped to manage this disease. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge ant practices amongst these rural doctors. Methods: Validated, self-completion questionnaire administered to family physicians and obstetricians after taking the written consent for participation. The questionnaire was divided in to two sections. First section was to assess the knowledge and the second section was to assess the practices adopted by participants towards GDM. Results: The participants were the 18 FPs and 12 obstetricians working in rural areas and managing pregnancies. About 89% (16) of FPs and 50% (6) Obstetricians exactly knew the definition. More than 55% (10) FPs and 66.7% (8) obstetricians knew the approximate prevalence of GDM. Only 22% (4) FPs and 58.3% (7) obstetricians were practicing universal screening for GDM. Only 38.9% (7) FPs were using insulin for the treatment of GDM where as 75% (9) obstetricians using insulin. Only 17% (3) FPs and 50% (6) obstetricians were practicing at least once weekly blood glucose monitoring for GDM. Conclusions: There are gap in knowledge and practices both amongst FPs and obstetricians towards the management of GDM. Future research focusing on education strategy is required which may involve novel tools like internet and mobile devices.