PLOS ONE · 3 authors, 3 centres
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This qualitative study of 33 UK women explored the psychosocial impacts of a gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis during pregnancy and after birth. It found that women experienced significant frustration, negative mental health impacts, a perceived medicalisation of eating, and often sought their own support networks due to gaps in standard care.
A qualitative interview study was conducted with 33 women in the UK who had a recent or past diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to explore its psychosocial impacts in the perinatal period. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the researchers identified six core themes, including diagnostic frustration, impacts on mental health, the medicalisation of eating, loss of agency, the importance of self-sourced support networks, and concerns for future health. Central findings indicated that women often felt confused and frustrated at diagnosis, experienced considerable stress and anxiety, and perceived their eating behaviours as medically controlled. Many reported a lack of healthcare system support and turned to online peer groups for assistance. The study notes that the sample was self-selecting and recruited online, which may have skewed participation toward those with negative experiences. The authors conclude that healthcare professionals need to consider the wide-ranging psychosocial implications of GDM and explore alternative support options, such as peer support.
