Postdoc Fellow
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Bridging Health Disparities in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Integrating Diet, Physical Activity, and Social Determinants of Health for Latina IndividualsGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant health risk among Latina individuals, with an incidence of 9.3%, resulting in an elevated conversion to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after pregnancy. The elevated conversion rate may be due to poor GDM management, increased risk from family history of T2DM, lack of adherence to healthy diet and physical activity, and social determinants of health, which combined may perpetuate persistent health disparities for the Latina population.
This project aims to address these gaps by (1) identifying individual behaviors and community factors impacting the conversion of GDM to T2DM and (2) gaining more insight into Latina individuals’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyles during pregnancy. In this study, we will (1) examine the progression of T2DM and the influence of individual behaviors and community factors and (2) identify individual and community-level barriers and facilitators in GDM care among Latina individuals. Expected outcomes include two manuscripts, one with the individual behaviors and community factors impacting conversion to T2DM after a GDM diagnosis and another manuscript identifying Latina community perceptions of the key barriers and facilitators to GDM care.
This study aims to lay the foundation for further research on diabetes prevention and women's health. The results can inform future interventions, clinical management programs, and public policies, contributing to reducing health disparities and improving long-term health outcomes for Latina individuals.
