LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR HISPANIC WOMEN

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications that occurs during pregnancy, and has both immediate and long-term effects. It occurs in about 2-5% of all pregnancies. Hispanic Americans are at 1.9 times greater risk of type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites of similar age. Hispanic women have higher rates of GDM than non-Hispanic white women. The purpose of this project was to describe long-term outcomes of the gestational diabetes education component of the Santa Cruz Collaborative Diabetes Project. The program, established in 1997, provides diabetes education and diabetes screening to residents of Santa Cruz County by physicians, nurse practitioners and RNs to increase awareness of and to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and/or complications attributed to the disease in the Hispanic population. Data gathered in this project indicated that self-care and lifestyle behaviors learned during the gestational period were not all sustained in the long-term. Awareness about diabetes and its complications was evident, however, was insufficient to translate into behaviors to lower risk factors. All participants acknowledged an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, however, this risk was related to family history. There was no mention of GDM as a risk factor. A continued relationship with the GDM clients is recommended to ensure ongoing concern, knowledge and self-care practices that would decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in these clients.