Title:The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on Women’s Health and Well-being During Their Reproductive Years: A Mixed-methods Systematic Review
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Author(s): Aycan Celik*, Rita Forde, Simona Racaru, Angus Forbes and Jackie Sturt
Affiliation:
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SEI 8WA,
UK
Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes, women, social culture factors, reproductive, healthcare needs, menopause.
Abstract:
Background: The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) among younger women now
accounts for 40% of females with T2DM. Women of reproductive age with T2DM have additional
health considerations and their needs may differ from older populations.
Objectives: The aims were (1) to identify the health issues encountered by women aged 16-45
years living with T2DM; (2) to determine the modifiable risk factors associated with living with diabetes;
(3) to specify ideas for interventions to meet age and gender-specific diabetes-related healthcare
needs.
Methods: A systematic search was performed in the following databases; MEDLINE, PsycINFO,
EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Maternity and Infant Care. Databases were searched
without time and study design limits. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the
methodological quality of included studies. Data were narratively synthesised due to mixed methods
evidence included.
Results: A total of 32 papers were included in the review from which six domains were identified
from the synthesis: (1) diabetes related modifiable risk factors: blood glucose, cardiovascular risk,
neuropathy/nephropathy/retinopathy, diabetes self-management barriers (2) reproductive health: diabetes
care before pregnancy, pre-pregnancy care barriers and expectations of women, contraceptive
use (3) psychosocial wellbeing: depression symptoms and diabetes distress, perception of
T2DM, emotional concerns about pregnancy (4) sexual function; (5) menopause; (6) sociocultural
factors: social support, cultural norms.
Conclusion: This review highlighted specific health issues affecting women of reproductive age
with T2DM and which represent an important focus for health services research and health care delivery.
Future research needs to address identified health domains to improve women’s health and
well-being living with T2DM.
