title: Dulce Mothers: an intervention to reduce diabetes and cardiovascular risk in Latinas after gestational diabetes.
abstract: Latina women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at elevated risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Few primary prevention programs are designed for low socioeconomic status, Spanish-speaking populations. We examined the effectiveness of a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) translation in low-income Latinas with a history of GDM. Eighty-four Latinas, 18-45 years old with GDM in the past 3 years, underwent an 8-week peer-educator-led group intervention, with tailoring for Latino culture and recent motherhood. Lifestyle changes and diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at study baseline, month 3 and month 6. Participants showed significant improvements in lipids, blood pressure, physical activity, dietary fat intake, and fatalistic and cultural diabetes beliefs (p < 0.05). Formative evaluation provides preliminary evidence of program acceptability. A peer-led, culturally appropriate DPP translation was effective in improving lifestyle changes and some indicators of cardiovascular and diabetes risk in Latinas with GDM.
authors.affiliation: Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, Scripps Health, 10140 Campus Point Drive Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 USA.
authors.forename: Athena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Philis-Tsimikas
authors.affiliation: Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, Scripps Health, 10140 Campus Point Drive Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 USA.
authors.forename: Addie L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Fortmann
authors.affiliation: Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, Scripps Health, 10140 Campus Point Drive Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 USA.
authors.forename: Sapna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dharkar-Surber
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA.
authors.forename: Johanna A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Euyoque
authors.affiliation: Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, Scripps Health, 10140 Campus Point Drive Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 USA.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruiz
authors.affiliation: Neighborhood Healthcare, Escondido, CA USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA USA.
authors.forename: Linda C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Gallo
keywords: Diabetes; Gestational diabetes; Hispanic; Latino; Lifestyle intervention; Prevention