University of Limerick, Ireland, research reveals challenges of living with gestational diabetes

University of Limerick, Ireland, research reveals challenges of living with gestational diabetes

• Study shows that support of a partner can help women to cope and manage condition

Press Release 26/02/26

***REPRO free images by Alan Place attached

A study from University of Limerick in Ireland has identified the hidden challenges of women living with and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

The research led by academics in UL’s Department of Psychology is the first review of the evidence in this area. It highlights specifically how partners influence the experiences of women diagnosed with GDM.

According to the research, which analysed the experiences of almost 2,000 women across 21 countries, partners play an important role in women’s experiences of GDM, but support is not always helpful, and the level of support provided varies widely.

The extensive review titled: ‘Partners’ influences on women’s experiences of living with and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis,’ analysed 62 qualitative studies and was recently published in Health Psychology Review.

GDM is the most common pregnancy-related complication and can affect both mother and baby, potentially leading to long-term health implications.

According to Diabetes Ireland, the condition affects roughly 7,000 pregnancies, which corresponds to between 12–14% of pregnancies in Ireland annually.

Findings revealed that supportive partners appeared to positively influence coping and management of the condition, while overbearing or inadequate support increased the burden of GDM for the women.  

Lead author of the study, Fay O’Donoghue, led the review as part of her PhD research at University of Limerick. Ms O’Donoghue said: “For many women in Ireland and around the world, the day-to-day reality of gestational diabetes is shaped not only by clinical care but also by what happens at home, including the role of partners.”

The study revealed several key findings:

• When partner support meets women’s wants and needs, the support can help them cope and manage the condition day to day
   
• When support is insufficient, it can increase pressure and emotional strain, making managing the condition more difficult
   
• Women’s preferences for partner involvement varied, and support worked best when it matched their specific needs
   
• Monitoring or “surveillance” by partners could be helpful (providing accountability or structure) or intrusive, depending on the woman
   
• Mismatched support left women feeling unsupported or frustrated
   

Overall, the effectiveness of partner support depends on knowledge, communication, alignment with women’s individual needs, and cultural context.

“Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring partners have the right knowledge and understanding of gestational diabetes, so they can provide supportive, collaborative, and individualised help”, said Ms O’Donoghue.

“Open communication between couples is also essential, allowing partners to understand women’s needs and offer the right kind of support,” she added.

Cultural expectations around support also impacted how support was perceived and provided.

The authors recommend that healthcare strategies focus on improving opportunities for GDM education and culturally tailored support to optimise partner involvement.

Future research to explore factors influencing support and identify strategies to enhance GDM care was also recommended.

Dr Ann-Marie Creaven, Associate Professor in Psychology, and review co-author explained: “Involving partners more substantively in gestational diabetes care could lessen the burden on women and support healthier pregnancies.”

Dr Tomás Patrick Griffin, Consultant in Diabetes, Endocrinology and General Internal Medicine, and co-author explained that, while GDM often resolves after birth, “women who experience it are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later, and their children may face increased risks of overweight and diabetes”.

Dr Griffin said: “Our study shows that the support women receive at home can make a real difference in how they manage the condition and cope with the stress it brings.”

“The implications are clear: partner-inclusive education and culturally informed care plans could improve everyday management and reduce the psychological burden of GDM,” added Dr Griffin.

‘Partners’ influences on women’s experiences of living with and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis’ is available to read in full here.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Sadhbh Tierney
Marketing and Communications Officer,
University of Limerick
Phone: +353 086 8133501       
Email: sadhbh.tierney@ul.ie  

Notes to editor: 

• The review included 62 qualitative articles.
• The experiences of 1,955 women with GDM in total were included in the review.
• The review had a wide geographical spread, with studies included across 21 countries.
• This research was funded by Research Ireland and by the Irish Endocrine Society.
• Fay O’Donoghue is the lead PhD researcher on the project, supervised by Dr Ann-Marie Creaven (Associate Professor in Psychology at UL), Dr Tomás Griffin (Consultant in Diabetes at Galway University Hospital), and Dr Aisling O’Donnell (Associate Professor in Psychology at UL).
• In Ireland, GDM impacts approximately 7,000 pregnancies each year, corresponding to 12–14% of pregnancies (Diabetes Ireland, 2024)
   

About University of Limerick:

University of Limerick is a research-led, independent, internationally focused university with almost 19,000 students and 2,000 staff. It is a young, energetic and enterprising University with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship.

More information is available at www.ul.ie

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