Melissa Furlong, PhD, links neighborhood deprivation to gestational diabetes risk

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Melissa Furlong, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the U of A Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, highlighted her study assessing the relationship between neighborhood deprivation and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

The trial used Arizona birth certificate data spanning nearly a decade. By linking residential addresses reported on birth certificates to the Neighborhood Deprivation Index, a validated measure of neighborhood socioeconomic conditions, a clear association was identified between women living in more deprived neighborhoods and increased odds of developing GDM.

This research highlights neighborhood quality as an important and often overlooked contributor to maternal health. Furlong explained that women residing in under-resourced areas may face higher risks because of reduced access to healthy food, safe spaces for physical activity, and adequate health care. These environmental factors can exacerbate existing health vulnerabilities or leave pre-existing conditions underdiagnosed, increasing the likelihood of developing GDM during pregnancy.

The study’s findings suggest opportunities for targeted intervention. Health care providers who serve populations in disadvantaged neighborhoods can improve outcomes by promoting early screening and tailored messaging about lifestyle modifications that might reduce GDM risk. Such proactive communication, even before the routine GDM screening later in pregnancy, could help mitigate health disparities and better support at-risk women.

Furlong also noted that while many factors contribute to GDM such as genetics, obesity, and age, neighborhood factors have traditionally been underexplored. Although they may not directly overlap with biological risk factors, the conditions in which women live significantly influence their ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Limited access to nutritious food, safe areas for exercise, and regular health care all contribute to higher GDM risk and poorer maternal outcomes.

Looking forward, Furlong advocated for more research into individualized risk profiles, as well as community-based interventions tailored to vulnerable populations. Additionally, she emphasized the need for improved strategies to manage GDM after diagnosis.

She noted that women’s health, especially during pregnancy, has long been underfunded and understudied in the United States, contributing to poor maternal health outcomes compared to other developed countries. More investment in research and intervention efforts focused on women’s health and GDM is crucial to close these gaps and improve outcomes for mothers and babies alike.

No relevant disclosures

Reference

Parra KL, Farland LV, Harris RB, Toro M, Furlong M. Neighbourhood deprivation and gestational diabetes mellitus in Arizona from the AzPEARS study. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2025;39(4):336-345. doi:10.1111/ppe.13146