Project 809 | Strong Voices: Bangladeshi Women Improving Diabetes Prevention in Primary Care

Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. National guidance recommends regular blood tests after pregnancy, but many Bangladeshi women do not attend. Letters or text message reminders sent by GP practices are often not written in ways that feel relevant or clear for everyone, and may not take account of language, culture, family pressures, or everyday practical challenges.
This project will work with Bangladeshi women who have experience of gestational diabetes to understand what makes it harder to attend postnatal blood tests and take part in activities that reduce the risk of diabetes. Women will be involved through a small number of friendly, women‑only workshops held in trusted community settings.

Aim:
To work collaboratively with Bangladeshi women who have experienced gestational diabetes to listen to their experiences and and ensure that future research is shaped by what matters most to them.

Objectives:
1. To explore Bangladeshi women’s lived experiences of gestational diabetes and postnatal follow‑up, including emotional, cultural, linguistic, and practical factors influencing attendance for GP blood tests and engagement with lifestyle interventions.
2. To examine how family roles, caring responsibilities, trust in healthcare, and communication preferences shape women’s decision‑making about postnatal diabetes prevention.
3. To involve women in designing the research question and approach, using their reflections to shape a participant‑focused and relevant research proposal.