Gestational Diabetes Risk: The Role of Place, Socio-environment, and Prevention Interventions

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes first detected during pregnancy. Risk factors include health behaviours (physical activity and diet), obesity, socioeconomic determinants of health and increasingly, environmental factors. Variations in risk have been observed by locations and population groups, but have not been previously explored in detail over time in Australia. This thesis addresses these gaps by generating new knowledge about 1) the increasing disparities by geography and ethnicity over time; 2) environmental factors; and 3) effective prevention interventions. Place-based, culturally tailored, environmentally equitable, and effective lifestyle interventions for preventing diabetes in pregnancy are warranted.