BACKGROUND:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects about 14% of pregnant women globally and increases the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, diagnostic thresholds remain a subject of debate. In 2013, the WHO introduced stricter diagnostic criteria, adopted in Sweden in 2015. Regional variation in implementation has led to wide differences in GDM prevalence across the country (1–19%; average 6.9%). A GDM diagnosis requires significant self-management, including regular glucose monitoring and lifestyle modifications. Further, it adds frequent medical visits and may contribute to a medicalized, risk-focused experience of pregnancy. While GDM is linked to psychological stress and stigma, its impact on women’s sense of coherence (SOC) and self-efficacy (GSE) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES:
To examine how a diagnosis of GDM impacts SOC and GSE.

METHODS:
This prospective multicenter study included Swedish- or English-speaking women screened for GDM (2019–2024) at five Swedish sites using varying diagnostic criteria and screening programs. Participants completed validated digital questionnaires (SOC-13, GSE) before screening and eight weeks postpartum. The participants were categorized as: 1) diagnosed with GDM, 2) at risk but not diagnosed, and 3) undiagnosed but meeting WHO criteria. Primary outcomes include mean differences in total and subscale scores.

RESULTS:
A total of 1,097 women completed both questionnaires: 250 with GDM, 680 who tested negative, and 167 undiagnosed despite meeting WHO criteria. Preliminary analyses comparing SOC and GSE between groups will be presented at the conference.

CONCLUSIONS:
Findings may identify women requiring additional psychosocial support and inform clinical decisions regarding the adoption of WHO diagnostic criteria.

KEY MESSAGE:
Diagnostic decisions for GDM should consider not only medical outcomes but also the psychosocial impact of diagnosis on pregnant women. Poster session 4 (Group B)