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Transformation of the Midwife’s Role in Controlling Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Era of Modern Healthcare Services

Authors

  • Nova Ratna Dewi Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh
  • Hida Yana Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh
  • Sri Wahyuni Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh
Published February 13, 2026 pp. 11-24 doi.org/10.62872/o.v3i1.481 CC BY-SA 4.0
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Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic complications in pregnancy and poses significant short- and long-term risks for both mothers and infants. The increasing prevalence of GDM requires a shift in maternal healthcare approaches, particularly in redefining the role of midwives who serve as frontline providers in antenatal and postnatal services. This study aims to analyze how the rising clinical burden of GDM necessitates the transformation of the midwife’s role in modern healthcare services. A qualitative design using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was employed by analyzing recent accredited journal articles published between 2021 and 2025 from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SINTA. The data were synthesized thematically to identify patterns linking GDM challenges with midwifery role development. The results indicate that midwives need to expand their functions from birth attendants to GDM case managers through early risk screening, lifestyle education, psychosocial support, referral coordination, and postpartum metabolic follow-up. The discussion highlights that midwife-led and nurse-led care models are effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable, particularly in resource-limited settings. In conclusion, transforming the midwife’s role is essential to integrate GDM control into routine maternal care and to support long-term intergenerational prevention of metabolic diseases.

Keywords

Gestational diabetes mellitusMidwife role transformationMaternal healthcareLifestyle education

References

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Copyright (c) 2026 Nova Ratna Dewi, Hida Yana, Sri Wahyuni (Author) · CC BY-SA 4.0

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