The Experience of Self-Management in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

           This qualitative research aimed to study the self-management experience of gestational diabetes women at a community hospital who had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes for at least 4 weeks. Twelve purposive informants were selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed according to the steps of Smith et al. (2021). Reliability was established according to the concept of Guba & Lincoln (1989).

The results found that the self-management experience of women with gestational diabetes was based on self-learning through individual experiences, with different perceptions and meanings, as follows: 1) Medical management: Women who could control their blood sugar levels would choose food and switch to low-sugar foods. Women who could not control their blood sugar levels would eat what they were accustomed to and find reasons to justify their choices. Exercise management consisted of 3 types: women who did not exercise, women who exercised but not regularly, and women who exercised regularly. Medication management: All those who had to inject insulin were aware of and managed medication administration correctly; 2) Role management: All women wanted their fetus to be healthy and not to develop postpartum diabetes; and 3) Emotion management: Initially, they felt afraid or anxious, but when their blood sugar levels became normal, they felt proud of themselves. Some accepted the situation and viewed it as fate. In addition, receiving encouragement from family led to positive self-management. The results of this research can be used as guidelines for developing nursing care that effectively responds to the problems and needs of women with gestational diabetes.