A comparison of the perceptions and experiences of immigrant ethnic Chinese and Australian-born Caucasian women living with and managing gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia

This study examined how Chinese and Australian women managed their gestational diabetes (GDM) through analysing large-scale routinely collected hospital datasets, interviews with health professionals and patients and lifestyle analysis. Although Chinese women had higher GDM risks they had healthier weight and better pregnancy outcomes than Australian-born Caucasian women. However, their experience of GDM care indicated the need for health care professionals to show greater understanding of their dietary cultural preferences. Provision of more detailed information on dietary modifications to traditional Chinese diets and on blood sugar level control as well as on prevention of future type II diabetes was desired.