Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

OBJECTIVE -To examine anxiety levels of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare these with glucose-tolerant (GT) women at similar stages of pregnancy.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -Prospective longitudinal study conducted on 50 women with GDM and 50 GT women. All women completed the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) forms and the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning of the third trimester, antepartum, and 6 weeks postpartum. Specific questions were also assessed using a Likert scale.RESULTS -Women with GDM, compared with GT women, had a higher level of anxiety (state rather than trait) at the time of the first assessment. However, before delivery and in the postpartum period, there were no significant differences in anxiety scores between the two groups. Women in both groups were positive about being tested for GDM and wished to be tested during future pregnancies.CONCLUSIONS -There were no sustained increased levels of anxiety for women diagnosed with GDM. Concerns expressed about causing sustained maternal anxiety by testing for GDM could not be substantiated.

Changes in Health Status Experienced by Women with Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertensive Disorders

“…In an Australian cohort, Rumbold and Crowther 16 found that women with GDM had negative perceptions about their health after screening for GDM. In another Australian cohort, however, Daniells et al 17 found that women with GDM had higher anxiety levels than women without GDM at the beginning of the third trimester, but that the groups were similar antepartum and 6 weeks postpartum. The authors speculated that any worry initially caused by the diagnosis was adequately addressed by treatment plans.…”

Diagnosis of more gestational diabetes lead to better pregnancy outcomes: Comparing the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria, and the Carpenter and Coustan criteria

“…Indeed, women with GDM were more anxious than women without GDM, as shown by a report by Daniells et al 27. However, the anxiety did not sustain if interventions were given27. In another report, Crowther et al 4.…”

Screening for Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…This makes it possible to balance the potential adverse effects generated by the tests (anxiety, psychological distress, and future perception of health) (25)(26)(27) and potential benefits considering individual risk factors and discussing them with each patient.…”