Being a mom of color puts you at a higher risk.

By Pearl Phillip

Abeba, a resilient immigrant from Ghana, embarked on a journey filled with dreams and aspirations upon arriving in Brooklyn, New York. Abeba’s journey was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation when she learned she was pregnant. She eagerly embarked on the journey of motherhood, determined to provide her child with a brighter future than she had ever imagined. Yet, amidst the excitement, a shadow loomed over Abeba’s pregnancy. During a routine prenatal check-up, her doctor delivered the sobering diagnosis: gestational diabetes. Abeba’s heart sank as she grappled with the implications of this newfound challenge. Fear and uncertainty clouded her mind as she wondered how this would impact her pregnancy and the health of her unborn child.

With her husband’s and healthcare team’s support, Abeba embarked on a rigorous regimen of blood sugar monitoring, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise. She embraced a newfound appreciation for wholesome, nutrient-rich foods, savoring each bite as a nourishing gift for herself and her growing baby. As Abeba journeyed through the ups and downs of pregnancy, she discovered a newfound resilience within herself. She refused to let gestational diabetes define her or overshadow the joy of impending motherhood. With each passing day, she embraced the miracle unfolding within her, cherishing the precious moments of connection with her unborn child.

Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived as Abeba cradled her newborn baby in her arms. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she marveled at the wonder of new life due to her unwavering strength and resilience. At that moment, Abeba knew she had overcome every obstacle, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever. 

As she gazed into her baby’s eyes, Abeba felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought her to this moment. “Through the challenges of gestational diabetes, I discovered strength I never knew I had, nurturing not just a life within, but the resilience within myself. Gestational diabetes may have tested my strength, but it never dimmed the fierce love I hold for my child, nor the determination to overcome every obstacle in our path,” she said with tears in her eyes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels that occur when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. GDM typically occurs in the second or third trimester and affects about 2-10% of pregnancies, varying by population and diagnostic criteria. While it usually resolves after childbirth, it can pose health risks to both the mother and baby if not managed properly. Understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management is crucial for ensuring the well-being of both mother and child during pregnancy and beyond. 

Approximately 20% of Black women and 16% of Latina women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy develop type 2 diabetes within just eight years after giving birth, as revealed by a study presented on a poster at the virtual American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference in 2021. “The true number is likely even larger because our study only measured diagnosed type 2 diabetes,” said principal investigator Teresa Janevic, Ph.D., MPH, associate director of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute, which is sponsored by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Janevic added, “Women who are never tested for diabetes would not show up in our study as a case.”

The Effects of Gestational Diabetes on a Pregnant Woman

Gestational diabetes poses unique challenges and risks to pregnant women, impacting both maternal health and the well-being of the developing fetus. This condition, defined by elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy, requires careful management to mitigate potential complications. Understanding the effects of gestational diabetes on pregnant women is crucial for ensuring optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. From increased risks of pregnancy-related complications to long-term health implications, exploring these effects is essential for comprehensive prenatal care and support.

The Effects of Gestational Diabetes on a Developing Baby

Gestational diabetes can have significant impacts on a developing baby both during pregnancy and later in life. Some potential effects include:

1.   Macrosomia: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of being larger than average (macrosomia), which can lead to complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia.
2.   Hypoglycemia: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth, as their bodies continue to produce high levels of insulin to compensate for high blood sugar levels in utero.
3.   Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS):Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may have an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome, a condition where the baby’s lungs are not fully developed, leading to difficulty breathing.
4.   Increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life, likely due to exposure to high blood sugar levels in utero.
5.   Risk of stillbirth: In severe cases of gestational diabetes, there may be an increased risk of stillbirth, although this is rare.

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes need to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and possibly medication to reduce the risk of complications for both themselves and their babies. Close monitoring during pregnancy and after delivery can also help detect and address any potential issues early.

Working towards Prevention of Gestational Diabetes

Preventing diabetes in women of color involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various risk factors and promotes overall health and wellness. Here are some key solutions:

Healthy Diet: Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods. Traditional dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet have shown benefits in reducing diabetes risk.

Regular Physical Activity: Encourage regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain a healthy weight.

Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if overweight or obese. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Screening and Early Detection: Regular screening for diabetes and prediabetes can help in early detection and intervention. Healthcare providers recommend that women undergo regular blood glucose tests and screenings. 

Education and Awareness: Raise awareness about the risk factors for diabetes among women of color, including genetics, lifestyle factors, and socioeconomic factors. Provide education on healthy lifestyle choices, stress management techniques, and the importance of regular healthcare check-ups.

Cultural Sensitivity: When designing prevention programs, recognize cultural differences and preferences. Tailor interventions to the specific needs and challenges faced by women of color, taking into account cultural beliefs, dietary habits, and barriers to healthcare access.

Access to Healthcare: Ensure equitable access to healthcare services, including diabetes prevention programs, nutritional counseling, and support for physical activity. Address barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation, and language barriers that may prevent women of color from accessing preventive care.

Community Support: Engage community organizations, faith-based groups, and social networks to promote diabetes prevention efforts. Peer support and community-based programs can provide encouragement, accountability, and practical support for adopting healthy behaviors.

Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can contribute to the development of diabetes. To promote emotional well-being, encourage stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, public health agencies, community organizations, and policymakers to implement comprehensive diabetes prevention strategies that address the unique needs of women of color.

By implementing these solutions, we can work towards reducing the burden of diabetes and improving the health outcomes of women of color. As we observe November as Diabetes Awareness Month, let us use this as an opportunity to unite people from diverse backgrounds in the shared goal of combating diabetes, reducing its prevalence, and improving the lives of those affected. By raising awareness and fostering dialogue, we can work together to address the challenges posed by diabetes and strive towards a healthier future for black moms and their babies.

  black woman, gestational diabetes, mother, risk