Women with Gestational Diabetes Fall through the Cracks

Women with a history of GDM have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but often do not return for follow-up care. Researchers conducted 22 semi-structured interviews. Mean age was 31.5 years, 63% were nonwhite, mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.9 kg/m(2), and 82% attended a postpartum visit. Four general themes were identified that illustrated barriers and six that illustrated facilitators to postpartum follow-up care. Feelings of emotional stress due to adjusting to a new baby and the fear of receiving a diabetes diagnosis at the visit were identified as key barriers; child care availability and desire for a checkup were among the key facilitators to care. The researchers concluded: “Our results will inform the development of interventions to improve care for these women to reduce subsequent diabetes risk.” Journal of Womens Health, 2011;20(2):239-245).