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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is strongly supporting the passage of the GEstational DIabetes Act (S. 907/H.R. 1544) or the GEDI Act for short and it is asking you to help out.

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who are not diabetics but whose blood sugar levels increase during pregnancy. According to the ADA, about 4% of all pregnant women get gestational diabetes. About 135,000 women are affected every year in the US alone.

When left untreated, the mother’s high glucose levels can lead to macrosomia - an overweight baby. Babies with macrosomia have higher risks for breathing problems and damage to the shoulders during delivery, as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

The GEDI Act was introduced to the senate by Senator Hilary Clinton on September 20, 2006.

According to an update from the Office of Legislative Policy and Analysis:

The bill would require that CDC and NICHD, acting in consultation with NIDDK, expand research regarding gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. The bill would also require CDC to establish a research advisory committee (which would include an NIH representative), to develop a “multisite, gestational diabetes research project within the diabetes program of the CDC to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes.” Other provisions would require CDC to award demonstration grants to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes, and to encourage screening for gestational diabetes through existing state-based diabetes programs. The bill has two cosponsors and was referred to the Senate HELP Committee.

It is hoped that with the passage of the GEDI Act, more resources available to fight this disease.

Please show your support by writing a message to your representative here.

Tags: GEDI, gestational diabetes, Gestational Diabetes Act, legislation