Australian women's experiences of living with gestational diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe Australian women's reflections on the experience of having a pregnancy affected by GDM.

Methods: Participants were women aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with GDM ≤3 years previously and registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme. Data was collected from a cross-sectional written postal survey which included the opportunity for women to document their experiences of living with GDM. Thematic framework analysis was undertaken to determine underlying themes.

Results: Of 4098 invited eligible women, 1372 consented to participate. Of these, 393 provided feedback on their experiences of living with GDM. Eight key themes emerged from the data (1) shock, fear and anxiety (8.9%), (2) uncertainty and scepticism (9.4%), (3) an opportunity to improve one's health (9.6%), (4) adapting to life with GDM (11.6%), (5) the need for support (17.2%), (6) better awareness (3.5%), (7) abandoned (14.9%), (8) staying healthy and preventing diabetes (13.7%). Women taking insulin were more likely to experience shock, fear or anxiety (p=0.001) and there was a trend towards women who spoke another language also being more likely to report this experience (p=0.061). Those diagnosed with GDM in a previous pregnancy (p=0.034) and younger women (p=0.054) were less likely to view the diagnosis as an opportunity to improve their health.

Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the experience of the pregnant woman diagnosed with GDM. It emphasises the importance of health professional support and provides insight into the challenges and opportunities for future diabetes risk reduction.

Keywords: Experience; Gestational diabetes; Pregnancy; Support; Type 2 diabetes prevention.