Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates the health of mother and child not only in the short term but also in the long term basis. Addressing GDM through early detection and proper management is vital to improve maternal and child health. Identifying existing barriers for detection and management is important for policy improvement.   This study aims to explore barriers for detection and management of GDM in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. Health professionals working in antenatal clinic, delivery, and other maternal health services in primary health care units were selected purposively. A total of 18 in-depth interviews were done. The transcripts were imported into NVIVO version 12 software packages.   A qualitative thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Results: Screening of women for GDM was done based on the risk factor assessment within 24-28 weeks of gestational age. Barriers for detection and management of GDM include; lack of standard guidelines and protocols, lack of awareness among mid-level health care providers on GDM, inadequate trained health care providers, shortage of supplies and equipment and late antenatal care visits.

Conclusions: Policy makers and health care leadership  need to address challenges by availing standard guidelines and protocols, providing on job training for health care providers,  fulfilling supplies and consumables and working on early antenatal visits of pregnant mothers.

Key words: Detection of GDM, barriers, Southern Ethiopia