Fostering MCH and chronic disease collaboration: Lessons from the Gestational Diabetes Collaborative

Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects 2-10% of pregnancies in the US. Up to one-third of affected women will have impaired glucose metabolism at postpartum screening, and an estimated 15-50% will develop diabetes in the decades following the affected pregnancies.

With more emphasis on the importance of chronic disease prevention and reduction of risk factors in women of child bearing age, especially related to diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and tobacco use, collaboration of chronic disease and maternal and child health (MCH) programs has become a vital issue. Seven states have established collaborative teams to address GDM improvement of data collection, documentation of care, increasing postpartum glucose testing, and provision of long-term follow-up. These collaborations have the potential for more efficient use of staff, funds, surveillance and intervention efforts. This presentation describes barriers, enablers, strategies, and outcomes as experienced by the collaborating states.