The Role of Social Support on Self-Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Analysis

Given the rising incidence and importance of treatment adherence for gestational diabetes (GDM), this study aimed to examine patient perspectives on social support's role in gestational diabetes (GDM) management during pregnancy and early postpartum.

This is an analysis of qualitative data collected during a feasibility randomized controlled trial of postpartum patient navigation for individuals with GDM. Participants completed semistructured interviews at 4 to 12 weeks postpartum on their experiences with GDM as well as facilitators and barriers to its management, including social support. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Of 38 participants, 55% reported a family member or friend with a history of GDM, type 1, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The analysis identified 4 themes: (1) communal support, (2) indirect GDM support (ie, removing logistical barriers to care), (3) direct GDM support, and (4) barriers of social support (eg, stigma), which impeded disease understanding. Participants identified communal support as a catalyst for lifestyle change and a source for advice and emotional support. Indirect support included transportation, childcare, and work accommodations. Direct support included providing healthy food, giving insulin shots, or providing accountability.

Harnessing social support may be a key strategy to activate and sustain lifestyle and self-management skills in GDM and should be considered in intervention development.