17-PUB: Leveraging Social Media to Address Gestational Diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities: Adapting the Stopping Gestational Diabetes in Daughters and Mothers Program

Introduction and Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) for mothers and their children, with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities experiencing disproportionately high rates of both. Preventing GDM is critical for improving maternal and child health and reducing long-term T2D risk. Social media offers a promising platform for health promotion, yet limited guidance exists for translating evidence-based programs to this medium while maintaining fidelity and theoretical relevance. We describe the process used to adapt the Stopping Gestational Diabetes in Daughters and Mothers (Stopping GDM) Program, a GDM risk-reduction intervention tailored for AI/AN women, for dissemination through social media. Methods: The adaptation process included (1) review of core curriculum components; (2) qualitative interviews with community members and providers; (3) selection of youth-preferred social media channels; (4) incorporation of Native-specific imagery, messaging, and values; and (5) iterative review with team members and community consultants experienced in diabetes prevention and AI/AN health. Results: The adaptation produced a 6-week social media intervention aligned with the medicine wheel and centered on four health domains: healthy movement, healthy eating, healthy sex and pregnancies, and healthy connections. Each module includes static images, slide-series posts, short videos, and resources. Core messaging emphasizes strength-based approaches, cultural identity and community, knowledge building, and accessible resources. The final content maintained fidelity to Stopping GDM while enhancing cultural resonance, youth engagement, and feasibility for social media. Conclusion: Grounding the Stopping GDM social media adaptation in community and cultural relevance offers a feasible approach for translating GDM-prevention programs to digital platforms for AI/AN youth.