Population considerations:
- Racial disparities. African American women represent a very high risk group for diabetes with less effective behavioral treatment programs than white women, perhaps due to an inadequate sociocultural match between the intervention methods and the needs of African American women.
- Reproductive Issues. Pregnant women run the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
- Family Commitments. Women may place the health and welfare of their family before taking care of their own health needs. Family commitments may limit the time spent on physical activity or eating a healthy diet.
Strategies to address considerations:
- Prenatal counseling on diet may help women to minimize the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
- Interventions that incorporate social support strategies may be particularly relevant for this population.