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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Lori VanBuggenum, MPH Candidate¹, Gwen Gallegos, CDE², Cecilia Navarro², Silvia Silvia², Samantha Sabo, MPH¹, Maia Ingram, MPH³, and Lisa Staten, PhD¹. (1) Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 2501 E. Elm, P.O. Box 245177, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520-237-3219, llv@email.arizona.edu, (2) Mariposa Community Health Center, Inc., 1852 North Mastick Way, Nogales, AZ 85621, (3) Assistant Professor of Mexican American Studies and Public Health, University of Arizona, Cesar E Chavez Building, Room 207, Tucson, AZ 85721

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be characterized as elevated blood glucose levels (glucose intolerance) during pregnancy. GDM usually “disappears” after the birth of the baby; however, if the mother's blood glucose levels do not return to pre-pregnancy levels after the birth, she is reassessed and re-categorized with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (diabetes type 2). GDM risk research found gestational diabetes prevalence rates among ethnically Hispanic/Latina women increased most among Mexican mothers. Women living in the Arizona Sonora Border region who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes are referred by a health care provider to weekly one-on-one, 30-minuet to one-hour counseling sessions with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Registered Nurse Practitioner, and a community health worker. Through a team approach, women are supported in their efforts to monitor blood sugar, take medications, and be aware of complications from GDM during their pregnancy and possible subsequent health risks. This paper explores quantitative and qualitative data used to understand participants' perspectives on being “diagnosed” GDM, assesses their experiences of participating in the Arizona Sonora GDM program, and identifies the program's most and least effective intervention aspects. Recommendations on ways of improving bi-national responses to the growing epidemic of diabetes related illness along the U.S.-Mexico border will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• Describe the current prevalence of gestational diabetes in the U.S.-Mexico Border region.;
• Identify challenges in planning effective interventions for health risks that “disappear.”; and
• Discuss the Arizona Sonora Gestational Diabetes Program as a promising-practice model for participant-driven response.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation