ABSTRACT OF THE PROPOSAL
Gestational diabetes (GDM), a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Women with GDM face increased risks of pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage) and cardiometabolic diseases later in life. Although healthy eating is key for managing GDM, many women struggle with dietary changes due to limited nutrition education, feelings of restriction, and emotional distress. Chinese American women are particularly affected, with GDM rates nearly twice the national average. Despite their elevated risk, they often receive nutrition guidance that does not align with their cultural food practices or language needs, creating additional barriers to effective GDM management during pregnancy. To address these gaps, this project will develop and test a culturally and linguistically tailored online nutrition program called LOTUS (Leveraging Online Teaching Kitchens for Chinese American Women with Gestational Diabetes). LOTUS will combine diabetes education, culturally relevant nutrition guidance, cooking demonstrations, cultural recipes, support from bilingual health professionals, and peer support. The program will be delivered online through a dedicated website and familiar communication platforms such as WeChat, making it accessible to women regardless of where they live. The study has two goals: (1) to work closely with Chinese American women, healthcare providers, and community partners to co-design the LOTUS program, and (2) to evaluate whether the LOTUS program is practical, acceptable, and useful for Chinese American women with GDM. Findings will guide a future larger clinical trial and may help reduce health disparities for pregnant women from diverse cultural backgrounds.