Undiagnosed hyperglycaemia during pregnancy has now been identified as an important cause of neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Mothers who develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy are at significantly increased risk of developing type 2 DM within seven years of their index pregnancy.

EBCOG, in association with FIGO, DPSG and EAPM has led a European wide campaign for the Universal screening of every pregnant woman. Emeritus Professor André Van Assche, University of Leuven, Belgium, made a huge contribution in our understanding of the intergenerational impact of GDM on the future generations.

He organised a whole day consensus meeting to define a “European wide GDM screening and implementation strategy” at the EBCOG Paris Congress in March 2018. This culminated in the publication of the “Paris Consensus”. This statement calls upon all national societies of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Europe to identify a “National Champion” to lead this initiative of universal screening for every woman during pregnancy irrespective of risk factors, says Dr Tahir Mahmood, Immediate Past President of EBCOG.

Sadly Professor André Van Assche passed away on 30th July, 2018. The Paris Consensus statement is dedicated to his memory. We mourn his loss and EBCOG remains committed to delivering his vision for the highest quality of care for women in Europe.

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