Follow Up Care for Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus is glucose intolernce with onset or first detection during pregnancy. The occurrence is in 2-5% of pregnancies. The significance if this occurrence is related to the increased risk ranging from 30-70% of developing type 2 diabetes in the future whichis the 6th leading cause of death in the Unites States. Current data suggest that this rate can be drastically reduced with lifestyle modification. This study uses a phenomenological approach to answer the research questions: "What is the standard postpartum care provided for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus?" and " Does the care provided include prevention strategies for development of type 2 diabetes?" A convenience sample of six participants with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus was interviewed to explore their experience as gestational diabetics with attention to their follow up care. The major themes were identified through manual coding of the transcribed interviews. The care of gestational diabetics was focused on the pregnancy. All of the participants had some knowledge that they were at increased risk to develop diabetes in the future but were not specifically monitored unless they pursued care through their own initiative. Findings are useful to nurse practitioners and other health care professionals regarding increased awareness.