Women's experiences of navigating gestational diabetes in Denmark: a qualitative study of healthcare and self-care, with a focus on dietary education and delivery.

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) requires women to rapidly integrate new dietary self-care practices into everyday life during pregnancy. Dietary education is a central component of GDM management, and in Denmark it is often offered as a single dietitian session, either through individual counselling or group-based education. However, limited attention has been given to how women experience dietary education and their preferences regarding its timing, format, and continuity, and how these features influence their ability to engage in dietary self-care. This study explores women’s experiences with healthcare and self-care in GDM within a Danish context, focusing on dietary education and how its delivery influences women’s ability to manage their condition.

METHODS

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 women with GDM. Data were analysed abductively using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: (1) timely information, (2) information sources, (3) support from healthcare professionals, (4) group education delivery, (5) unmet self-care needs, and (6) dietary challenges during the transition to insulin therapy. Women described the period following GDM diagnosis as particularly challenging, highlighting unmet needs for timely, concrete, and actionable dietary guidance. Many relied on informal networks, including family, friends, and online communities, to supplement formal healthcare information. While peer interaction was valued by some, group-based dietary education was often perceived as insufficiently tailored to individual needs. Inconsistencies in dietary advice across healthcare professionals, limited opportunities for dietary follow-up, and insufficient support during the transition to insulin therapy contributed to uncertainty and frustration in dietary self-care.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identifies important gaps in the delivery of dietary education for women with GDM in Denmark, extending existing knowledge by highlighting how timing, format, continuity, and interdisciplinary coordination shape self-care experiences. These findings underscore the need for earlier, more individualised, and better-coordinated dietary education, including support during key transition points such as insulin initiation. Addressing modifiable features of healthcare delivery may enhance self-care, reduce uncertainty, and improve health-related outcomes for women with GDM and their offspring.