Diabetes during pregnancy is one of the most pressing maternal health challenges in the United States. Each year, 5% to 9% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes, a condition that develops after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Women with preexisting diabetes face even higher risks. Both forms of diabetes in pregnancy increase the likelihood of complications for mother and baby, and they are strongly tied to future chronic disease.
The long-term impact is profound: up to 70% of women with gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes later in life, and many will face elevated risks of cardiovascular disease. Their children are also predisposed to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Minority women are disproportionately affected, with rates of gestational diabetes up to two times higher than those of white women.
The elevateHER Diabetes Centering Program was created to address these challenges through a group-based model of care. In small cohorts of 8–10 women at different stages of pregnancy, participants attend regular sessions that combine medical care, education, and peer support. This approach reduces isolation, builds community, and empowers women to actively monitor their vital signs and health milestones during pregnancy.
Because women with diabetes in pregnancy are high-risk, they are offered weekly appointments and one-on-one time with their providers, while also benefiting from the group support model. A multidisciplinary team delivers care—including a Program Coordinator, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife, Navigators, Community Health Workers, Diabetes Educators, and Language Department staff—to ensure culturally competent care.
By combining medical expertise with peer connection, the Diabetes Centering program not only improves outcomes during pregnancy but also equips women with the tools and knowledge to protect their long-term health and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease in the years ahead.
