Self-Care of Women with Gestational Diabetes: An Analysis of Knowledge

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic dysfunction caused by an increase in placental hyperglycemic hormones, accompanied by an insufficient amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas. Objective: The present study sought to identify which conditioning factors interfere with self-care in patients with GDM and how the bond between health professionals and patients influences the self-care of women with GDM. Method: This is a field study to analyze data on women who had previous pregnancies diagnosed with GDM or women with GDM. Results: The sample consisted of 76 women with GDM. Among them, the majority (28) 36.8% were between 31 and 35 years old, most were resident in the Southeast region, with a greater predominance of incomplete higher education (39) 51.3%. As for socioeconomic conditions, (43) 56.6% stated that this factor interfered with self-care. Regarding the reception of the multidisciplinary team with the pregnant woman, (75) 98.7% say that they were welcomed and this reception favored (72) 96.0% in self-care during pregnancy. Conclusion: It becomes evident that nursing and the multiprofessional team play a fundamental role in health education, thus facilitating the self-care process in the gestational period.