Understanding Gestational Diabetes, Future Diabetes Risk, and Diabetes Prevention: A Qualitative Study of Patient, Provider and Staff Perspectives

Abstract

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.