Project summary
British-Pakistani women are at particularly high risk of developing gestational diabetes and type 2 later in life, so there’s a need to better understand such risks and how we could better support them. But existing research does not reflect the differences within South Asian communities or address their specific needs. The project aims to better understand how British-Pakistani women experience care during and after pregnancy, and how well current services support them. The findings will help improve healthcare and develop more effective and supportive ways to prevent type 2 diabetes in this group.
Background to research
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after giving birth. But people who’ve had it are around 10 times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes, compared to those who haven’t.
People from South Asian backgrounds, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan, are more likely to develop gestational and type 2 diabetes than those from other ethnic backgrounds in the UK.
But not all South Asian groups have the same experiences. Differences in culture, religion, language, lifestyle, and health beliefs can affect how women manage gestational diabetes and prevent type 2.
In particular, British-Pakistani women have higher rates of gestational and type 2, poorer health outcomes – and are a large population in the UK.
Despite this, most research has treated British-Pakistani and other South Asian communities as one single group. It’s important to understand the specific needs and experiences of British-Pakistani women to provide them with more effective care in an appropriate, inclusive way.
Research aims
Ifra Ali will explore the experiences of British-Pakistani women who have had gestational diabetes. The aim is to find out why they may be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and how healthcare services can better support them.
Her research will include:
- Surveys of British-Pakistani women with gestational diabetes to find out what they know about the condition, its management and post-pregnancy care.
- A review of existing health records to see how many British-Pakistani women got referred, started and completed the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme after pregnancy, compared with women from other ethnic backgrounds.
- Interviews with women who’ve experienced gestational diabetes and healthcare professionals, to hear their views on what helps or hinders type 2 prevention care and support.
- Workshops where women and healthcare professionals identify ways to improve care and support.
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
This project will help us understand what British-Pakistani people with gestational diabetes need to manage their health better. It will also help improve healthcare services, so they are more suitable and supportive for people from different backgrounds.
In the long run, this could help prevent more cases of type 2 diabetes and improve the long-term health of women after pregnancy.
