Health Needs Assessment: Gestational diabetes in Tower Hamlets
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Authors
Dr Terteel Elawad
Dr Somen Banerjee
Georgia Ramirez
Contact
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Issue Date
06-May-26
Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Keywords
Health inequalities
Alternative Title
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes first identified during pregnancy and is associated with significant risks for both mother and baby. These include complications during labour and birth and increased likelihood of caesarean delivery. Women diagnosed with GDM face a substantially elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in later life. In Tower Hamlets, rising concern about the prevalence of GDM and the effectiveness of local support prompted a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) to better understand the scale of the issue, the populations most affected and the adequacy of current prevention and follow‑up pathways.
The HNA used a mixed‑methods approach, including analysis of maternity and primary care data, stakeholder interviews and focus groups with local women. Findings showed that GDM is highly prevalent, affecting around 1 in 5 pregnant women in 2024, with true rates likely higher due to inconsistent data recording. Strong inequalities were identified - women of Bangladeshi backgrounds had the highest rates and over half of affected women lived in the most deprived areas of the borough. High levels of overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age and low early‑ pregnancy booking rates further increased risk locally.
Significant gaps were found in postnatal follow‑up. Fewer than 20% of women received the recommended postpartum blood test within the first year, despite the elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes; around 1 in 9 later developed the condition. Uptake of diabetes prevention programmes was low, with barriers related to language, culture and childcare. Focus group participants expressed a need for clearer early information, culturally relevant dietary guidance and community‑based support. Data quality issues, particularly inconsistent coding across maternity and GP systems, limited the ability to track and support women effectively.
The HNA identifies key areas for improvement such as earlier risk‑based advice and better pre‑conception support; strengthened postnatal pathways and clearer communication between maternity services and primary care; culturally tailored prevention programmes; enhanced community engagement; and improvements in data recording. The findings reinforce the need for targeted, culturally competent, system‑wide approaches to address the high burden of GDM and its long‑term health consequences in Tower Hamlets.