A gestational diabetes program for underserved latino women

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Suzanne M. Knight, RN BSN, Maternal Health Services, Cabarrus Health Alliance, 1307 south Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083, 704-920-1322, smknight@cabarrushealth.org

Cabarrus Health Alliance, the public health department in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, is addressing the high and increasing number of uninsured, Latino women with gestational diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes carry the risk of increased stillbirths, higher risk of developing other complications such as hypertension, a higher incidence of developing gestational diabetes with a subsequent pregnancy and an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes following the pregnancy. The agency's Maternal Health Clinic delivered 539 babies in calendar year (CY) 2004. Forty-five of these women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a four-fold increase from CY 2000, when there were 11 diagnoses.

Cabarrus Health Alliance has partnered with several community agencies and developed a gestational diabetes program, to help ensure that women with this diagnosis receive education and equipment necessary to control their diabetes, thereby reducing the likelihood of further complications of pregnancy, infant death or congenital health problems for their infants.

All women seen in the Maternal Health Clinic will be screened for gestational diabetes. If diagnosed, and regardless of their ability to pay, all women will receive: education regarding their disease process provided by a Certified Diabetic Educator; counseling regarding diet and healthy eating/exercise; lab tests necessary for control, including Hgb AIC's; a glucometer and supplies used for frequent blood sugar monitoring at home; and medicines, if appropriate.

Following the protocols for the gestational diabetes program, clients enrolled experienced no hospitalizations related to gestational diabetes, nor any untoward birth outcomes in CY 2005.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

1. List the methods for identifying gestational diabetes in Latina women.
2. Describe the protocols and methods used to control gestational diabetes, once identified.
3. Evaluate the birth outcomes of Latina gestational diabetics, based on the protocols of the gestational diabetes program

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Diabetes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Disparities in Pregnancy Outcomes and Access To Care: A Human Rights Issue

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA