Gestational diabetes & diabetes in pregnancy
Gestational diabetes mellitus and disordered eating behaviours: A qualitative study of online forum discussions
Authors' conclusion
GDM care protocols may exacerbate or precipitate DEBs due to their focus on dietary surveillance, glucose control and fear-based messaging. Individualised, evidence-informed care that considers psychological experiences across pregnancy and postpartum could improve both clinical and psychological outcomes for women.
Study context
- Population
- Online forum posts referring to current or previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and describing experiences related to disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) in pregnancy and postpartum; no geographical restrictionsposts analysed
- Participants
- 144 posts
- Outcome
- Themes on GDM and DEBs
Methodological detailsreflexive thematic analysis, publicly accessible Reddit forums, English-language posts only
- Reflexive thematic analysis
- Publicly accessible Reddit forums
- English-language posts only
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Theme 1: GDM management as a trigger for DEBs — clinical demands around diet and glucose monitoring intensified preoccupations with food and control
- Theme 2: Multilayered distress impacting on relationship with food and disordered eating — shame, unpredictability of GDM and perceived blame compounded food-related anxiety and DEBs
- Theme 3: Reclaiming agency — some women regained control through disclosure, adaptive coping strategies and online peer support
Original publication
Gestational diabetes mellitus and disordered eating behaviours: A qualitative study of online forum discussions. Diabet Med. Published 17 April 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →