A Mixed-Method Study on Perception Toward Postpartum Follow-Up Screening for Diabetes among Women Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Warangal District, Telangana

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in later life. Postpartum follow-up screening plays a vital role in early detection and prevention, yet uptake remains low in many regions of India, including Telangana. Objectives: To assess the perception toward postpartum diabetes screening among women with prior GDM and to estimate the proportion of women who underwent timely follow-up testing. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among 90 GDM-diagnosed women from two public tertiary hospitals in the Warangal district. Data were collected through a structured telephonic questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In-depth interviews with six healthcare providers were conducted to explore system-level insights. Results: Although 85.56% of participants underwent blood sugar testing postpartum, only 53.33% did so after discharge, and just 40% met the recommended ≥6-week follow-up timeline. Home-based testing was most common (47.92%), and only 4.17% utilized public health facilities. Women advised by doctors were significantly more likely to perceive screening as necessary (OR: 33.2, P = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a pressing need to strengthen postpartum diabetes follow-up through improved provider counseling, structured recall systems, and community health worker involvement.