[Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated to stigma]

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 6% of deliveries in Denmark. GDM stigma is evident globally and may manifest as experienced discrimination and induce guilt and shame among the diagnosed women. The associated stigma is reported to influence wellbeing and health behaviours among women with GDM both during and after pregnancy. Strategies to mitigate stigma include stigma awareness, communicating complexity, emotional support and enhancing GDM knowledge. Research is needed to quantify stigma's prevalence and impact, and guide interventions to effectively support affected women, as argued in this review.