Our research impact

Challenge 

Diabetes stigma can harm emotional and social wellbeing, self-care, and access to healthcare. While stigma in other types of diabetes has been studied, little was known about stigma in gestational diabetes (GDM). There has also been no tool to measure GDM-related stigma, limiting efforts to address it. 

Bold idea 

With support from Diabetes Australia, this study explored how Australian women with GDM experience stigma and co-developed the first comprehensive questionnaire to measure it. This project was led by Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott who has lived experience of GDM and is Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (a partnership between Diabetes Victoria and Deakin University). 

Impact  

The study gave new insights into women’s experiences of GDM-related stigma. Women described stigma driven by stereotypes and blame, shaped by social expectations about pregnancy and motherhood, media messages, and inconsistent healthcare. They reported emotional and social impacts of stigma, challenges with self-care, and reduced autonomy in healthcare decisions.

Women also identified protective factors. These included supportive healthcare and social networks, self-belief, and greater community awareness of GDM.

Findings informed the co-design of questions to measure GDM-related stigma, now ready for further testing. This tool will support future research to measure prevalence, understand impacts, and evaluate stigma-reduction efforts. This work also supports Elizabeth’s co-leadership of the Global Pledge to End Diabetes Stigma. 

Learn more about diabetes research and our research impact.