The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and their relationship to age and obesity was estimated in the rural town of Shikarpur in Sindh Province, Pakistan by a population-based survey in 1994. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in a stratified random sample of 967 adults (387 men, 580 women) aged 25 years and above. The diagnoses of diabetes and IGT were made on the basis of WHO criteria. The response rate was 71% for men and 80% for women. The prevalence of diabetes was 16.2% (9.0% known, 7.2% newly diagnosed) in men, and 11.7% (6.3% known, 5.3% newly diagnosed) in women. The prevalence rose with age to a peak of 30% and 21% in 65-74 year-old men and women respectively. IGT was detected in 8.2% of men and 14.3% of women. Thus, total glucose intolerance (diabetes and IGT combined) was present in 25% of subjects examined. These results indicate that glucose intolerance in South Asians can no longer be regarded as a problem confined to migrant communities. Of the 72 subjects previously known to have diabetes, none was using insulin treatment, but 57 (79%) took oral hypoglycaemic agents. Central obesity and positive family history were strongly associated with diabetes, as was prevalence of hypertension. The association with central obesity was greater for women than for men, and suggests important, modifiable risk factor(s) related to lifestyle.

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Introduction: Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) is the most common medical disorder complicating pregnancy. This includes women who have pre-existing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and those diagnosed to have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with glucose intolerance identified for the first time in pregnancy. In the Middle East and North Africa region, the prevalence of DM in women of reproductive age group is high and it varies widely between different regions due to variation in screening and diagnostic criteria for the identification of GDM. Universal blood glucose screening at first antenatal booking visit helps in identifying women with HIP. Women who are screen negative at first antenatal should subsequently be screened with a fasting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) around 24-28 weeks to identify GDM. There is a clear evidence that the identification and management of hyperglycaemia improves pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal care involves more visits as these women are at higher risk of fetal malformations, preterm labour and stillbirth. Timing of delivery is based on glycaemic control, fetal wellbeing, and the presence of co-morbidities. Objective: The objective of this article is to provide guidelines regarding the management of hyperglycemia in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: These recommendations are made after reviewing various existing guidelines including American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American College of Sports Medicine. A literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane Database, Google Scholar, EMBASE, various systematic reviews, and original articles. Search was done using key words “Hyperglycemia in pregnancy,” “gestational diabetes mellitus,” and “diabetes in pregnancy.” Conclusion: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy can be managed effectively if appropriate measures are taken and potential consequences can be avoided.