Project summary
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. People can experience high levels of stigma linked to the condition, which can have a negative effect on their mental and physical health. Dr Rita Forde and Prof Angus Forbes will work with women who have experience of gestational diabetes and healthcare professionals. Together, they'll develop communication tools that aim raise awareness of and combat gestational diabetes- related stigma.Â
Background to research
We know that too many people with diabetes experience stigma and that this can take a real toll on their health and wellbeing. Diabetes-related stigma involves negative attitudes about diabetes, which can create feelings of exclusion, blame or shame.Â
Pregnancy is a time when people can face even greater judgement and scrutiny over their diet, physical activity levels or other health related behaviours. And this could mean people with gestational diabetes may face even more stigma. Research has shown that people with the condition experience negative stereotyping and misconceptions, such as ‘being lazy’, having ‘poor eating habits’ and a ‘lack of willpower’ from both healthcare professionals and others.Â
At the moment, there are no interventions to help combat gestational diabetes-related stigma.Â
Research aims
Together with women who have first-hand experience of gestational diabetes, Dr Forde and Prof Forbes will create anti-stigma animations and communication tools. Â
Firstly, the team will pinpoint different sources of stigma. They will run interactive group sessions with women who have or have had gestational diabetes, their family members and healthcare professionals. The sessions will explore language, situations and stereotypes that trigger stigma, and things that can be done to manage these.Â
The groups will then work with a storyteller and animator to co-create short films and other communication tools that challenge these stigmatising narratives. Finally, the researchers will explore the impact of these tools in combatting stigma.Â
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
Addressing the stigma associated with gestational diabetes is crucial. Reducing this stigma could foster stronger, more supportive relationships between individuals with gestational diabetes and healthcare providers, lessen feelings of self-blame, and enhance emotional well-being. In turn, this supportive environment could empower people with or who have had gestational diabetes to take a more proactive, positive approach to their health. Long-term, these benefits may contribute to lowering their elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
This study could also serve as a valuable model for designing anti-stigma interventions for people with other types of diabetes, broadening the impact of this research even further.
