Barriers to and enablers of type 2 diabetes screening among women with prior gestational diabetes: A qualitative study applying the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Introduction: Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Guidelines recommend postnatal diabetes screening (oral glucose tolerance test or HbA1c) typically 6-12 weeks after birth, with screening maintained at regular intervals thereafter. Despite this, around half of women are not screened, representing a critical missed opportunity for early identification of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. While policy and practice-level recommendations are comprehensive, those at the personal-level primarily focus on increasing screening knowledge and risk perception, potentially missing other influential behavioral determinants. We aimed to identify modifiable, personal-level factors impacting postpartum type 2 diabetes screening among Australian women with prior gestational diabetes and recommend intervention functions and behavior change techniques to underpin intervention content. Research design and methods: Semi-structured interviews with participants recruited via Australia's National Gestational Diabetes Register, using a guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Using an inductive-deductive approach, we coded data to TDF domains. We used established criteria to identify 'important' domains which we then mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model. Results: Nineteen women participated: 34 ± 4 years, 19 ± 4 months postpartum, 63% Australian-born, 90% metropolitan, 58% screened for T2D according to guidelines. Eight TDF domains were identified: 'knowledge', 'memory, attention, and decision-making processes', 'environmental context and resources', 'social influences', 'emotion', 'beliefs about consequences', 'social role and identity', and 'beliefs about capabilities'. Study strengths include a methodologically rigorous design; limitations include low recruitment and homogenous sample. Conclusions: This study identified numerous modifiable barriers and enablers to postpartum T2D screening for women with prior GDM. By mapping to the COM-B, we identified intervention functions and behavior change techniques to underpin intervention content. These findings provide a valuable evidence base for developing messaging and interventions that target the behavioral determinants most likely to optimize T2D screening uptake among women with prior GDM. .

Barriers to and enablers of postpartum health behaviours among women from diverse cultural backgrounds with prior gestational diabetes: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis applying the theoretical domains framework.

AIMS: Racial and ethnic disparities exist in gestational diabetes prevalence and risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Postpartum engagement in healthy behaviours is recommended for prevention and early detection of T2DM, yet uptake is low among women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Greater understanding of factors impacting postpartum health behaviours is needed. Applying the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model, our aim was to synthesise barriers to and enablers of postpartum health behaviours among women from diverse cultural backgrounds with prior GDM and identify relevant intervention components. METHODS: Databases, reference lists and grey literature were searched from September 2017 to April 2021. Two reviewers screened articles independently against inclusion criteria and extracted data. Using an inductive-deductive model, themes were mapped to the TDF and COM-B model. RESULTS: After screening 5148 citations and 139 full texts, we included 35 studies (N = 787 participants). The main ethnicities included Asian (43%), Indigenous (15%) and African (11%). Barriers and enablers focused on Capability (e.g. knowledge), Opportunity (e.g. competing demands, social support from family, friends and healthcare professionals, culturally appropriate education and resources) and Motivation (e.g. negative emotions, perceived consequences and necessity of health behaviours, social/cultural identity). Five relevant intervention functions are identified to link the barriers and enablers to evidence-based recommendations for communications to support behaviour change. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a conceptual model to inform recommendations regarding the development of messaging and interventions to support women from diverse cultural backgrounds in engaging in healthy behaviours to reduce risk of T2DM.

Medical nutrition therapy for gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia: What has changed in 10 years and how does current practice compare with best practice?

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to report Australian dietetic practice regarding management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to make comparisons with the findings from a 2009 survey of dietitians and with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines (NPG). METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2019 and 2009 of dietitians providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to women with GDM in Australia. The present study compares responses on demographics, dietetic assessment and interventions, and guideline use in 2019 vs. 2009. RESULTS: In total, 149 dietitians (2019) and 220 (2009) met survey inclusion criteria. In both surveys >60% of respondents reported dietary interventions aiming for >45% energy from carbohydrate, 15%-25% energy from protein and 15%-30% energy from fat. Many variations in MNT found in 2009 continued to be evident in 2019, including the percentage of energy from carbohydrate aimed for (30%-65% in 2019 vs. 20%-75% in 2009) and the wide range in the recommended minimum daily carbohydrate intake (40-220 and 60-300 g). Few dietitians reported aiming for the NPG minimum of 175 g of carbohydrate daily in both surveys (32% in 2019 vs. 26% in 2009). There were, however, some significant increases in MNT consistent with NPG recommendations in 2019 vs. 2009, including the minimum frequency of visits provided (49%, n = 61 vs. 33%, n = 69; p < 0.001) and provision of gestational weight gain advice (59%, n = 95 vs. 40%, n = 195; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although many dietitians continue to provide MNT consistent with existing NPG, there is a need to support greater uptake, especially for recommendations regarding carbohydrate intake.

Barriers to and enablers of type 2 diabetes screening among women with prior gestational diabetes: A systematic review update and qualitative synthesis applying the Theoretical Domains Framework.

AIMS: Women with prior gestational diabetes have nearly 10 times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes is recommended for early diagnosis and management, yet uptake is low. This work updates a previous systematic review and advances it through the application of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to synthesise personal-level factors impacting type 2 diabetes screening and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model (COM-B), to develop messaging recommendations for use in clinical practice and screening promotion interventions. METHODS: We searched seven academic databases from September 2017 (prior review) to April 2021, reference lists and grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened articles against inclusion criteria (qualitative studies exploring factors impacting postpartum diabetes screening, any language) and extracted data. Using an inductive-deductive model, we coded determinants to the TDF and mapped onto the COM-B model. RESULTS: We identified 38 eligible papers from 34 studies (N = 1291 participants). Most (71%) reported sample sizes of N ≥ 16. The ratio of barriers to enablers was three to one. Eight key TDF domains were identified. Evidence-based recommendations include addressing knowledge, risk perception, fear of diabetes diagnosis, low prioritisation of personal health and fatalism. The risk of bias was low and confidence in findings was moderate to high. A limitation was conceptual overlap between TDF domains, which we addressed via the study procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The theoretical categorisation of determinants enables the development of messaging and interventions at the personal level, to promote women's uptake of postpartum type 2 diabetes screening.

Women with type 1 diabetes and women with type 2 diabetes differ in knowledge and beliefs about contraception and pregnancy.

AIMS: To assess differences in knowledge and beliefs about pregnancy in women with diabetes. METHODS: Questions were from the Australian 'Contraception, Pregnancy & Women's Health' survey. Women (18-50 years) were eligible if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Knowledge and beliefs items were adapted from the Reproductive Health and Behaviours Questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared to women with type 2 diabetes (n = 103), women with type 1 diabetes (n = 526) had higher scores for knowledge about pregnancy in diabetes (type 1 diabetes 9.8 ± 2.4 vs. type 2 diabetes 7.7 ± 3.1), beliefs about benefits (type 1 diabetes 18.4 ± 2.2 vs. type 2 diabetes 17.2 ± 3.3), cues-to-action (type 1 diabetes 2.7 ± 1.4 vs. type 2 diabetes 1.5 ± 1.3) and self-efficacy (type 1 diabetes 22.6 ± 5.5 vs. type 2 diabetes 20.2 ± 6.1 (all p < 0.001) regarding preparing for pregnancy. Major knowledge gaps were the need for higher dose folate compared to women without diabetes and uncertainty about breastfeeding recommendations. Women with type 1 diabetes believed more strongly in the benefits of 'close to target' glucose levels prior to pregnancy and using contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy; they also felt more confident to access pre-pregnancy care and to wait for optimal glycaemia before pregnancy. Women with type 2 diabetes were less aware of contraceptive choices, and risks associated with hyperglycaemia before or early in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlighted main gaps in knowledge and beliefs about planning for pregnancy. Especially in type 2 diabetes, there is a need for evidence-based messaging and strategies addressing these gaps, to raise understanding to prepare for future pregnancies.

Factors associated with attendance for pre-pregnancy care and reasons for non-attendance among women with diabetes.

AIMS: To describe factors associated with the uptake of diabetes-specific pre-pregnancy care (PPC), determine the perceived helpfulness of attending, reasons for non-attendance and intention to seek PPC in the future. METHODS: A cross-sectional 66-item survey was administered to Australian women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) aged 18-50 years. RESULTS: Of 429 eligible women, 54% reported having attended PPC. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, having Type 1 DM [adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI (1.07, 3.33)], being married or in a defacto relationship [OR 2.43 (95% CI 1.27, 4.65)], tertiary educated [OR 1.91 (95% CI 1.27, 2.88)] or employed [OR 1.80 (95% CI 1.14, 2.82)] were associated with being more likely to attend PPC. Sixty eight percent (68%) rated attending PPC as helpful. A lack of awareness about the availability of PPC (48%) and unplanned pregnancy (47%) were the main reasons for non-attendance. Of women with future pregnancy plans, 43% were aware of local services offering PPC and 84% indicated they would attend PPC if available. CONCLUSION: Australian women who attend PPC differ by type of diabetes and socioeconomic characteristics. Initiatives are needed to address this disparity and encourage all women with diabetes to plan and prepare for pregnancy. Reasons reported for non-attendance suggest that strategies to increase awareness about the availability of diabetes-specific PPC and the risks of unplanned pregnancy are warranted.

Incidence and prevalence of diabetes in children aged <15 yr in Fiji, 2001-2012.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the incidence and prevalence of diabetes in children <15 yr in Fiji. METHODS: Data on all new cases from 2001 to 2012 was collected from the three paediatric diabetes services through the International Diabetes Federation Life for a Child Program. There was no formal secondary ascertainment source, however the medical community is small and all known cases are believed to be included. RESULTS: Forty-two children aged <15 yr were diagnosed from 2001 to 2012. Twenty-eight were type 1 (66.7%), 13 type 2 (31.0%), and 1 (2.4%) had neonatal diabetes (INS gene mutation). For type 1, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of diagnosis was 10.2 ± 2.9 yr, with similar proportions of males and females. Four (14.3%) were native Fijians and 24 (86.7%) were of Indo-Fijian descent (p < 0.001). The mean annual incidence of type 1 in children <15 yr was 0.93/100,000 and prevalence in 2012 was 5.9/100,000. There was no evidence of a rise in incidence, but low numbers would preclude recognition of a small increased rate. For the 13 cases of type 2 diabetes, the mean SD age of diagnosis was 12.2 ± 2.7 yr, 85% were female (p < 0.01), and 85% were of Indo-Fijian descent (p = 0.001). The mean annual incidence of type 2 was 0.43/100,000 and 2012 prevalence was 2.4/100,000. No child with diabetes aged <15 yr died during the 12-yr period. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of type 1 diabetes in Fiji is very low. Furthermore, its occurrence is markedly more frequent in Indo-Fijians than in native Fijians. Type 2 and neonatal diabetes also occur.

Australian women's experiences of living with gestational diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe Australian women's reflections on the experience of having a pregnancy affected by GDM. METHODS: Participants were women aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with GDM ≤3 years previously and registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme. Data was collected from a cross-sectional written postal survey which included the opportunity for women to document their experiences of living with GDM. Thematic framework analysis was undertaken to determine underlying themes. RESULTS: Of 4098 invited eligible women, 1372 consented to participate. Of these, 393 provided feedback on their experiences of living with GDM. Eight key themes emerged from the data (1) shock, fear and anxiety (8.9%), (2) uncertainty and scepticism (9.4%), (3) an opportunity to improve one's health (9.6%), (4) adapting to life with GDM (11.6%), (5) the need for support (17.2%), (6) better awareness (3.5%), (7) abandoned (14.9%), (8) staying healthy and preventing diabetes (13.7%). Women taking insulin were more likely to experience shock, fear or anxiety (p=0.001) and there was a trend towards women who spoke another language also being more likely to report this experience (p=0.061). Those diagnosed with GDM in a previous pregnancy (p=0.034) and younger women (p=0.054) were less likely to view the diagnosis as an opportunity to improve their health. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an insight into the experience of the pregnant woman diagnosed with GDM. It emphasises the importance of health professional support and provides insight into the challenges and opportunities for future diabetes risk reduction.

A diabetes awareness campaign prevents diabetic ketoacidosis in children at their initial presentation with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a diabetes awareness campaign on the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the first presentation of type 1 diabetes in children (0-18 yr). METHODS: This study was a controlled population intervention study with a 2-yr baseline period and a 2-yr intervention period. Data were collected on all children presenting with their initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes [pH, bicarbonate, base excess, blood glucose level (BGL), urea, and creatinine] at Gosford, Newcastle, and Sydney (Sydney Children's Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital). During the intervention period, diabetes education occurred in the intervention region (Gosford). Child care centers, schools, and doctor's offices were offered education and posters about the symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Doctor's offices were given glucose and ketone testing equipment. The control regions (Newcastle and Sydney) did not receive any educational intervention or test equipment. DKA was defined as pH < 7.3 or bicarbonate < 15 mmol/L. RESULTS: In Gosford, the proportion of children presenting in DKA decreased from 37.5% (15/40) during the 2-yr baseline period to 13.8% (4/29) during the 2-yr intervention (p < 0.03). There was no significant change in the control regions during the same time periods, 37.4% (46/123) and 38.6% (49/127), respectively. In Gosford, the average BGL at presentation was 27.5 mmol/L during the baseline and 21.2 mmol/L during the intervention (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: During the diabetes awareness campaign, the rate of DKA at initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children decreased by 64%.

Postnatal testing for diabetes in Australian women following gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal blood glucose testing is recommended for reclassification of glucose tolerance following a pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, there are limited data on the postnatal follow-up sought by Australian women. AIMS: To describe postnatal diabetes testing patterns in Australian women following a pregnancy affected by GDM and identify factors associated with return for follow-up testing in accordance with the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) guidelines. METHODS: A cross-sectional self-administered survey of 1372 women diagnosed with GDM between 2003 and 2005, sampled from the National Diabetes Services Scheme database. RESULTS: Postnatal diabetes testing was reported by 73.2% of survey respondents with 27.4% returning for an oral glucose test tolerance at six to eight weeks post-GDM pregnancy. Using logistic regression analysis, factors associated with appropriate postnatal testing were receiving individualised risk reduction advice (odds ratio (OR) 1.41 (1.08,1.84)) or written information (OR 1.35 (1.03,1.76)) and in two-way interactions, being under the care of an endocrinologist and not tertiary educated (OR 2.09 (1.49,2.93)) as well as seeing an obstetrician and diabetes educator during pregnancy (OR 1.72 (1.19,2.48)). Every five years increase in age reduced the likelihood of a woman returning for testing by 17%. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist diabetes care in non-tertiary educated women, or a team approach to management with diabetes education and obstetric care may act to reinforce the need for postnatal diabetes testing in accordance with the ADIPS guidelines. Individualised follow up from a health professional and provision of written information following a GDM pregnancy may also encourage return for postnatal testing in this high-risk group.