gms | German Medical Science

Background: Glycaemic target recommendations vary widely between international professional organisations for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Some studies have reported women’s/people’s experiences with GDM, but little is known how this relates to their recommended glycaemic treatment targets.

Aim/research question: The aim of this study was to identify enablers and barriers for women/people with GDM to achieve optimal glycaemic control from a qualitative perspective.

Methods: Women with GDM who had at least two weeks experience with self-testing capillary blood glucose (CBG) were recruited from two large hospitals in New Zealand and completed a semi-structured interview. Final thematic analysis was performed using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results: Sixty women participated. The results identified significant existing behavioural factors for women/people with GDM in achieving optimal glycaemic control and provide insights to how women/people accept a diagnosis of GDM, adapt to regular self-monitoring, adhere to recommended glycaemic targets, undertake necessary lifestyle changes and what support may be required.

Relevancy: Midwives provide care for women/people with GDM. Knowing about enablers and barriers for women/people with GDM can enable midwives to provide effective care.

Recommendations/conclusion: Women/people with GDM report multiple enablers and barriers to achieving optimal glycaemic control. The findings of this study may assist health professionals, including midwives and diabetes in pregnancy services to improve their care for women/people with GDM and support them to achieve optimal glycaemic control. Considerations for further research are identified.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: The study is a nested study within the TARGET Trial and approved by the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics committee (HDEC) Ref. 14/NTA/163, RRN1965. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.