Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases type 2
diabetes risk; however, postpartum diabetes screening rates are low. Using
semi-structured interviews and focus groups, this study investigates the understanding
of GDM and
its relationship to future
diabetes risk and diabetes prevention among patients with public or no
insurance (<i>n </i>= 36), health care providers
(<i>n </i>= 21), and clinic staff (<i>n </i>= 9) from Federally Qualified Health
Centers. Five
main themes emerged: <i>1</i>) general
understanding of GDM diagnosis with focus on neonatal complications; <i>2</i>) variable recall of diet, exercise,
and weight recommendations; <i>3</i>) overwhelming
medication and self-monitoring routines; <i>4</i>)
short-term focus of type 2 diabetes risk and screening; and <i>5</i>) limited understanding of all options
for diabetes prevention. The results may inform diabetes screening and
prevention interventions in primary care settings.
Women's engagement with diabetes prevention activities and the influence of contact by the Australian national gestational diabetes register
