Experiences of Changes in Eating Habits and Eating Behaviors of Women First Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

• Main Authors: Hye-Jin Kim, Eunjeong Cho, Gisoo Shin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: women; gestational diabetes mellitus; eating habit; eating behavior; theme analysis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/16/8774
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

As gestational diabetes, which is increasing steadily around the world, can cause complications in the mother and fetus, it is essential to change eating habits and eating behavior to prevent this. According to the 2020 American Diabetes Association recommendations, the food plan should be designed for the adequate calorie intake to achieve glycemic goals and consequently promote maternal and fetal health. Thus, the following study has used the qualitative theme analysis method to assess what it means for 28 South Korean women, who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes for the first time, to change their eating habits and behaviors. As a result, themes were derived related to reflection on daily life, formation of new relationships in the same group, efforts that must be made, rediscovery of couples, and lifestyles reborn as new roles. Based on the results of the study, it is shown that the study participants recovered the peace in their mental state after the crisis of gestational diabetes to pursue relaxation and ultimately higher quality of life by following the plan to fulfill healthy achievements, such as changing their eating habits and behaviors. Therefore, future research and support measures to help the healthy behaviors should be sought by comprehensively exploring the effects of women’s experiences in changing their eating habits and behaviors.