GEstational DIabetes (GEDI) Act of 2007 - Summary

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Background

According to the American Diabetes Association, gestational diabetes affects 4 to 8 percent of all pregnant women. This affects about 135,000 women in the United States each year and this number is growing. In New York, the rate of this disorder has risen by 50% in about 10 years. The increase in obesity in the U.S. has raised the prevalence of gestational diabetes however genetics, ethnicity, and maternal age are risk factors for the disease. Gestational diabetes has significant health impacts since it puts women and their children at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and is associated with more health problems for both mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth.

There is disagreement on how best to treat gestational diabetes as well as the effectiveness of current treatments. There needs to be a greater understanding by both providers and patients on how to prevent and treat this condition. New therapies and interventions to detect, treat, and slow the incidence of this condition need to be identified. The GEDI Act aims to lower the incidence of gestational diabetes and prevent women afflicted with this condition and their children from developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Understanding and Monitoring Gestational Diabetes and Obesity during Pregnancy

The bill creates a Research Advisory Committee headed by the CDC and includes representatives of federal agencies, and health organizations. This committee will develop multi-site gestational diabetes research projects to expand and enhance monitoring of gestational diabetes by standardizing procedures for accurate data collection and identifying this disorder. This bill will also track mothers who had gestational diabetes and develop methods to prevent their development of Type 2 diabetes.

Demonstration Grant Programs

This bill provides demonstration grants that focus on reducing the incidence of gestational diabetes. Grants may be used to: 1) expand community-based activities; 2) help State-based health programs increase their prevention activities; or 3) train health providers on this condition. 

Research Expansion of Gestational Diabetes and Obesity during Pregnancy

Building on current efforts at the CDC and NIH, the GEDI Act will expand basic, clinical, and public health research investigating gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. These studies shall include: 1) investigating therapies; 2) facilitating enrollment into clinical trials for populations that disproportionately suffer from this condition; 3) developing diagnostics; and 4) understanding factors that influence these conditions.