Covid – confusion over gestational diabetes shielding advice

Some pregnant women in England who have gestational diabetes say a change to shielding advice has caused confusion – a new algorithm which calculates an individual’s risk from Covid means some have been told to stay at home while others have not.

The risk factor in identifying shielders, is based on factors such as ethnicity, postcode, weight and age, as well as health. NHS England have said not everyone with the same condition will be advised to shield, but suggests people contact their GP to discuss their individual case.

Gestational diabetes happens when high blood sugar (glucose) develops during pregnancy because the body cannot produce enough insulin. It can occur at any stage during pregnancy and if undetected, can cause problems for both mother and baby.

Nikki Joule, policy manager of Diabetes UK, said “We know the UK government is taking a precautionary approach as to who should be added to the clinically extremely vulnerable list in England, and as we expect the process will be reviewed and refined over time.

“We understand there’s confusion over this situation, but we encourage anyone who has received a letter or text unexpectedly not to panic.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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