REVIEW ARTICLE The burden of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Background: Little is known about the burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) in pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries despite high prevalence and mortality rates being observed in these countries. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and geographical patterns of DM in pregnancy up to 1 year post-delivery in low- and middle-income countries. Search strategy: Medline, Embase, Cochrane (Central), Cinahl and CAB databases were searched with no date restrictions. Selection criteria: Articles assessing the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and types 1 and 2 DM were sought. Data collection and analysis: Articles were independently screened by at least two reviewers. Forest plots were used to present prevalence rates and linear trends calculated by linear regression where appropriate. Main results: A total of 45 articles were included. The prevalence of GDM varied. Diagnosis was made b