Preventing diabetes and heart disease in Chinese and Indian women who had gestational diabetes...

Preventing diabetes and heart disease in Chinese and Indian women who had gestational diabetes: Not hard-to-reach but easy-to-ignore

Dr Siew Lim, Monash University

2023 Vanguard Grant - One Year

Years funded: 2024 - 2025

Gestational diabetes affects 9-26% of pregnancies worldwide. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. People of non-White ethnicity have increased risks of gestational diabetes, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In Australia, Asian-born women had the highest incidence of gestational diabetes of all birth regions. Lifestyle intervention effectively reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes in women with previous gestational diabetes, but our research has found lower levels of engagement in prevention programs among women who are born overseas. This study therefore will investigate the cause of lower engagement in Chinese and Indian women, the largest groups of migrants in Australia experiencing gestational diabetes. We will investigate the effect of cultural and individual health beliefs on heart disease and diabetes prevention and will partner with Diabetes Victoria to co-design culture-specific resources and referral pathways. This will support improved service access to women who need them most.