A meta-synthesis of the lived experience of women with pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy, and an empirical study of the lived experience of individuals from a South Asian background living with Type 1 diabetes, and the impact of culture on the management of their condition.

Bining, Sandish 2025. A meta-synthesis of the lived experience of women with pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy, and an empirical study of the lived experience of individuals from a South Asian background living with Type 1 diabetes, and the impact of culture on the management of their condition. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Paper 1 is a qualitative systematic review exploring the lived experiences of women with preexisting diabetes in pregnancy. Diabetes is a long-term condition where blood sugar levels are too high, due to problems with insulin production or use. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, while type 2, the more common form, involves insufficient or ineffective insulin. Managing diabetes is often described as a full-time job, requiring constant attention and lifestyle adjustments. Pregnancy carries risks for all women, but these are higher for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Poor blood sugar control before and during early pregnancy increases the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital problems. Mothers are also more likely to develop complications such as high blood pressure, while babies may grow too large, be born prematurely, or face long-term health risks. These complications are generally greater in women with pre-existing diabetes compared to those who develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus). Optimal outcomes depend on planning, particularly achieving good blood sugar control before conception and throughout pregnancy. Early preparation, specialist support, and risk reduction strategies are central. Advances such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have improved diabetes management, though evidence of their benefits in preconception and early pregnancy remains mixed. Understanding women’s experiences is vital for healthcare services to provide effective support. Whilst some research has explored this area, there remains a gap in focusing specifically on pre-existing diabetes. Several databases were systematically searched for qualitative papers examining the lived experiences of women with pre-existing diabetes. Thirteen papers were included, reflecting the experiences of over 300 women across five countries. Thematic synthesis identified four overarching themes: (1) Pregnancy intensifies and disrupts the management of pre-existing diabetes, (2) The emotional and psychological toll of pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes (3) powerful medical narratives, and (4) reframing diabetes through motherhood. Women described physical, psychological, and social challenges alongside moments of resilience. These findings highlight the need for healthcare services to recognise evolving challenges throughout pregnancy while supporting women’s efforts to preserve a sense of normalcy in their journey. Research has shown that culture plays a significant role in how South Asian people manage and experience type 2 diabetes. However, little is known about what it is like to live with type 1 diabetes in South Asian communities. This means we understand less about how individuals interpret their diagnosis, how they deal with stigma, and how community expectations or religious practices influence their management of the condition. It also involves understanding how personal beliefs and cultural values shape perceptions of the illness, its severity, and the control individuals feel they have. These beliefs can affect how people prioritise medical advice alongside traditional or cultural health practices. In this study, South Asian adults with type 1 diabetes took part in semi-structured interviews about their experiences. Findings showed that living with type 1 diabetes can carry social and cultural stigma. Family beliefs and traditions influenced participants’ sense of identity, diabetes management, emotional and social experiences, healthcare interactions, and faith. Despite these challenges, some participants developed coping strategies that improved their quality of life. The results highlight the need for equitable and culturally sensitive diabetes care. This includes tailored advice on diet, clear communication, and structured education. Collaborations between community groups, healthcare providers, and health services, as well as involving community members in resource development and professional training, can help address health inequalities and improve care.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 December 2025
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2025 10:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/182934

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