Paid Research Study: Exploring Women of Color's Experiences After Gestational Diabetes

Having a baby is already challenging, but navigating pregnancy with diabetes can make it even more difficult. This research delves into how factors like policy, neighborhood environments, racial discrimination, immigration, and stress impact perinatal and reproductive health, as well as health care outcomes. Columbia University Medical Center. (2025).

Qualifications:

• Assigned female at birth

• Individuals who gave birth in New York City between the years 2009 and 2015

Compensation:

Qualified participants will receive a $75 gift card for completing a 1-hour interview.

See if You Qualify

*This tool is not part of any formal research program. It is designed solely to serve as an educational resource for communities, providing valuable information about research processes and compensation. Its primary goal is to help individuals gain a better understanding of how research works, as well as the compensation structures that may be involved, without being tied to any specific study or program. This initiative aims to empower communities with knowledge, helping them navigate research-related topics with clarity and confidence.

---

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes, similar to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but it develops during pregnancy. Like the other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose), which can create potential health issues not only for the mother but also for the baby. (Mayo Clinic Staff. 2022, October 28).

While the exact cause of gestational diabetes is not fully understood, it is believed that factors such as past lifestyle choices may play a role in its development during pregnancy. These factors include, but are not limited to, prediabetes, being overweight, and lack of exercise. Although having prediabetes can be concerning, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your health and protect your baby. (Mayo Clinic Staff. 2022, October 28).

Life After Gestational Diabetes

Though most people return to normal blood sugar levels after giving birth, having gestational diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s important to follow up with your primary doctor and other specialists to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and lifestyle, helping you manage your health moving forward. (Mayo Clinic Staff. 2022, October 28).

Statistical Research on Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects a significant number of women, but how many exactly? According to Yale Medicine (n.d.), approximately 10% of pregnant women in the United States are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The risk of developing this condition increases for women who have one or more risk factors. These risk factors include a history of gestational diabetes, obesity, and a family history of diabetes or prediabetes (Yale Medicine, n.d.).

Marginalized Communities

When examining the impact of gestational diabetes on people of color and marginalized communities, the statistics show notable variations. According to findings published by AJMC, the risk of developing gestational diabetes differs across racial and ethnic groups: 21% of Hispanic/Latina women, 8% of non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander women, 14% of non-Hispanic Black women, and 56% of non-Hispanic White women are at risk (AJMC, 2023). While these numbers may seem low for certain racial groups, it’s important to note that the risk of gestational diabetes is influenced by multiple factors. As discussed earlier, conditions like obesity, a family history of diabetes, or having had gestational diabetes in the past can also significantly increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

References

• Ajmc.com. (2023, February 13). Jump in U.S. gestational diabetes rates seen across all racial, age groups. The American Journal of Managed Care. https://www.ajmc.com/view/jump-in-us-gestational-diabetes-rates-seen-across-all-racial-age-groups

  
  

• Columbia University Medical Center. "Study Information: 2821." Columbia University Medical Center, 2025, recruit.cumc.columbia.edu/studyinfopage/2821.

  
  

• Janevic, Teresa. "Teresa Janevic." Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 2025, www.publichealth.columbia.edu/profile/teresa-janevic.

  
  

• Mayo Clinic Staff. "Gestational Diabetes." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Oct. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339.

  
  

• Mayo Clinic Staff. "Meet Our Medical Editors." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors.