Diabetes in Pregnancy in Nicaragua: Insights and Lessons from the Pan American Social Marketing Organization’s (PASMO) Gestational Diabetes Project

Despite being a largely preventable condition, DIP remains a neglected maternal health issue throughout Central America. In Nicaragua and throughout the region, reliable figures on the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy are scarce due to lack of routine testing among pregnant women. Yet high rates of chronic disease exist. For example, type 2 diabetes affects over 9% of Nicaraguans, and more than 1 in 4 adults are considered obese.11 With support from the World Diabetes Foundation and Novo Nordisk, the Pan American Social Marketing Organization (PASMO), is working with private sector health providers across multiple hospitals and satellite clinics in Managua, Nicaragua to offer prenatal clients access to testing, diagnosis and management for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy as part of a broader package of maternal health services. Lifestyle modification through tailored diet and exercise plans are key aspects of the program.