BIGGER Is Not Better Gestational Diabetes

Outpatient ADA approved Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Education Program was developed by an interdisciplinary team to meet educational needs of a high-risk, high volume multi-cultural center with 9000+ deliveries annually. Program addresses daily challenges of: obstetrical myths/customs, language, illiteracy, dietary customs, and technology. Data illustrates successful outcomes in reduced birth weights, admissions and referrals. The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus program operates in a team environment and emphasizes customer satisfaction. Patients are referred by OB/GYN for diabetes education. There is an initial meeting with the Nurse CDE, and the dietitian develops an individual meal plan during a consultation. There is follow up by the CDE with additional visits as needed. Telephone visits are done by both the nurse and dietitian through birth, with a six week follow-up phone call. Support from the Perinatologist at the hospital’s Perinatal Diagnostic Center strengthens the programs capabilities The success of the GDM Program is measured by: 1. Infant’s birth weights that fall within the desirable weight range. 2. Decrease in maternal pre-delivery admissions for glucose control. 3. Increase in physician referrals to the program Charts are reviewed and a database kept by the Diabetes Educator.

The multi-cultural GDM program has improved patient outcomes for both infants and mothers. 1. Infant birth weights fell within the desirable range 2. Maternal pre-delivery admissions for glucose control 3. There was increase in the physician referrals within the first year from 81 to 390 patients in 2006.