Abbott cooperates with Ministry of Health in tackling Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

GDM is affecting up to 20% of Vietnamese pregnant women and is on the rise globally. Given the link between GDM in pregnancy, poor pregnancy outcome, and future risk of diabetes in both mother and child, a focus on prevention, screening, early diagnosis and managing GDM in pregnancy is needed globally and especially in Vietnam.

Regarding to GDM management, nutrition counselling and physical activity are key to reduce risk of future obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Thus, the project will focus on the following activities: Educating the community and patient on lifestyle modification and diet for people with GDM; Developing national guidelines on prevention and control of GDM; Enhancing knowledge and efficiency of healthcare professionals through training; Developing a standardized screening and diagnostic program.

In the first year, there will be pilot screening and diagnostic implemented at 6 key hospitals, expecting to bring benefits to 75,000 people and help to reduce the incidence of GDM in Vietnam.

The project will also leverage Abbott’s expertise in diabetes management and nutrition for nearly 30 years to build the first-of-its-kind guideline in Vietnam with focuses on improving nutrition counselling and lifestyle modification to manage GDM.

This is one of many projects that came to life as results of the continued and fruitful partnership between the Vietnam Ministry of Health and Abbott. The two parties have been working closely to address critical healthcare needs in Vietnam and to enhance people health, from improving nutrition status for pregnant women and lactating mothers; improving clinical nutrition in hospital in Vietnam to helping to orient a suitable healthcare system and to create a conductive environment for the elderly people.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Vinh, Director of Maternal and Child Health Department, Ministry of Health, stated: “This GDM project aims to leverage the nutrition expertise of the global healthcare company Abbott, clinical proven best practices around the world and pragmatic experience of Advisory Board including doctors/HCPs in key hospitals in Vietnam to develop guideline and education program for HCPs nationwide. It will contribute to overall improvement of the healthcare system, increase quality of maternal and child healthcare in Vietnam, and accelerate the national strategy to prevent and control non-communicable diseases.”

Mr. Douglas Kuo, General Manager of Abbott Vietnam, said, “As a leading global healthcare company, we are dedicated to helping people live the best and fullest life possible. Abbott is honored and proud to support efforts of Ministry of Health in the Prevention and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus initiative and support to the national goal in enhancing health and well-being of mothers and babies in Vietnam”.