The Importance of Proper Glucose Levels Prior to Conception: A Community Awareness Project

Uncontrolled blood glucose levels prior and during pregnancy is associated with devastating adverse pregnancy outcomes for the mother and infant (Collier, Mulhonlland, Williams, Mersereau, Turay, and Prue, 2011). The percentage of live births affected by diabetes each year is alarming at about 5% of more than 4 million births (Collier et al, 2011). Uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy is one of the most preventable causes of birth defects (Graham, 2014). Unfortunately, lack of knowledge regarding the impact of unmanaged diabetes on pregnancy remains one of the most predominant barriers in achieving optimal glucose levels prior to conception (Mersereau et all, 2011). Sadly, about one out of four people with diabetes is not even aware they have the disorder (CDC, 2012). Therefore, the purpose of this project was to educate and empower women of childbearing age with the knowledge of the importance of proper glucose levels prior to conception, and teach basic steps to promote adequate pre-conception health care through developing an educational program that can be delivered at trusted community sites such as faith-based organizations (FBOs). According to the Center of Disease Control, diabetes has devastating effects on pregnancy outcomes, and yet it is frequently diagnosed during childbearing age (CDC, 2012). Studies have shown that proper pre-conception health care can make a difference in birth outcomes especially among the diabetic population (CDC, 2012). Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with multiple birth defects and other health problems for the infant, as well as serious maternal complications (CDC, 2012). The rising incidence of diabetes and unplanned pregnancy is alarming. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among women at childbearing age regarding the importance of proper glucose levels prior to conception. Ultimately adequate care prior to gestation will result in improved health, quality of life, and decreased healthcare costs. Unfortunately, this teaching is not taking place enough at the healthcare provider's office during routine visits, many women have limited or no access to care, and we lack community outreach programs with this focus, which all limit proper preconception health care in the presence of diabetes. This project is a community outreach evidence-based educational program, which was developed by me, reviewed by my chair and content experts and implemented at a local faith-based organization (FBO), which is a trusted community site. Studies show that FBOs are ideal places to promote preventive health care; it is free, accessible, and usually trusted by the women. Objective 1: Develop an evidence-based educational program to teach women about the impact of diabetes on pregnancy. This objective was implemented by developing an evidence-based program and evaluated by reviewing it with my chair and content experts. Objective 2: Present the program to a group of women (age 18 and up) in a local faith-based community setting. The program was presented to a group of women at a local FBO. Objective 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program and modify pending women's feedback. Pre and posttests were giving to the women who attended the workshop to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Objective 4: Create a packet with evidence-based materials for women and faith-based community leaders for future use. I implemented this objective by distributing the packet and evaluated it by asking the participants if they found the resource packet helpful. Objective 5: Disseminate the program by identifying a local health conference and submit an application to do a poster presentation. To fulfill this objective, I identified the Snowbird CME 2015 conference and applied for a poster presentation.