Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across Australia experience high rates of diabetes during pregnancy. In the Northern Territory, there is an epidemic of type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal people, with disease onset seen at increasingly young ages. This is accompanied by increasing rates of diabetes during pregnancy, which is impacting birth outcomes and the metabolic health of the next generation.
The growing burden of chronic disease among Aboriginal people is strongly related to the social determinants of health and numerous challenges need to be addressed in order to improve outcomes. Strategies to address the intergenerational cycle of adverse metabolic health need to be developed and implemented in partnership with Aboriginal communities, with consideration of barriers such as food insecurity, overcrowded housing and other competing priorities relating to social disadvantage.
Qualitative research into Aboriginal women’s experiences of diabetes in pregnancy has highlighted the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate health information, the value of pregnancy as a motivator for behaviour change and the importance of culturally safe, family-centred care, underpinned by respectful relationships with consistent clinicians. In research focussed on the post-partum period, enablers for improving health included strong connections to family, community and country.