Women's lived experience of blood glucose management during pregnancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Self-management of blood glucose during pregnancy: a qualitative study exploring the experience of women with pre-gestational, insulin treated diabetes.
IRAS ID
194719
Contact name
Tania Mcintosh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
This studies aim is to explore women's experiences of managing blood glucose levels in order to achieve optimum targets during a pregnancy complicated by pre-existing, insulin-treated diabetes, but not by serious fetal ill health or death.
Diabetes Mellitus is a lifelong condition affecting the body's ability to use the energy found in food. It is characterised by high glucose levels in the blood. It remains the most common medical condition to complicate pregnancy in the United Kingdom (UK) affecting approximately 1 in 250 women. Poor blood glucose control during pregnancy is a key cause of major organ abnormalities, increased risk of a large baby, increased amniotic fluid levels, low blood glucose levels for the newborn and a baby dying shortly before or after birth. In the UK today there is still a 2–5 times increase in these risks compared to non-diabetic women.
To date there has been little research that specifically explores women's lived experiences of self-management of blood glucose when aiming for suggested targets during pregnancy. Recent guidelines for diabetes and pregnancy have recognised that research is needed to understand the perceived barriers that women report for not achieving these targets.Using a qualitative approach, 4-6 adult women who have pre-existing, insulin treated diabetes and are between 24 weeks pregnant and 10 months postnatal will undertake one in-depth, semi-structured interview in the choice of their own home or the clinical research unit at the hospital. Interviews will last approximately 40-60 minutes. Recruitment will comprise of posters displayed in clinic areas and flyer's distributed at antenatal or diabetes outpatient clinic attendance.
Although the study will not provide any immediate benefit to participants it is intended that results will provoke thought and discussion regarding how healthcare professionals can adapt or improve support and education where needed to promote excellent pregnancy outcomes.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0684
Date of REC Opinion
20 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion