Diabetes Research Study
Title: “A Type 2 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Community Health Workers to Improve Screening for Postpartum Diabetes in Urban Slums of India.”
In collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine and KEM Hospital’s Diabetes Unit, Deep Griha Society is spearheading a transformative study funded by R01. This research brings Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and postpartum Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) screening directly to women’s homes, meeting a growing need as diabetes rates surge in India. A successful pilot phase saw a 90% uptake, leading to the expansion of this model to 12 low income communities across Pune.
At the heart of this project are our Community Health Workers (CHWs) – women from within these very communities – who educate and screen fellow women in the comfort of their homes. KEM Hospital- Diabetes Unit provides the training and Deep Griha Society provides support, empowering these CHWs to carry out crucial health interventions with compassion and knowledge.
The study’s mission is to improve postpartum diabetes screening rates, reduce diabetes-related health risks, and connect women to essential medical care. Our hypothesis centers on the belief that home-based screenings will significantly improve participation rates over traditional clinic referrals. With early diagnosis, women can access the care they need to prevent complications and improve their long-term health outcomes.
Through their work, these CHWs are making a tangible difference, bridging the gap in healthcare access while uplifting their communities. For Deep Griha, supporting these women in bringing real, life-saving change to their neighborhoods is a privilege and an inspiring part of our broader commitment to community empowerment.