LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dr. Aubrey Jones, an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), has been awarded the UL1 Pilot Award to lead a collaborative study examining gaps in postpartum care for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with Dr. Karen, Roper, College of Medicine.
Partnering with the University of Utah and the UK College of Medicine, their work aims to improve health outcomes for women at elevated risk for Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and other long-term health complications following pregnancy.
GDM, a condition defined as carbohydrate intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, is one of the most common pregnancy-related complications, affecting approximately 200,000 births annually in the United States.

Despite clinical recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for postpartum glucose screenings and mental health assessments, significant gaps in care persist.
The Gestational Diabetes Aftercare and Postpartum Screening (GAPS) Study will address these gaps through three primary objectives:
- Assessing Postpartum Care Trends — Conducting chart reviews to examine rates of T2DM and mental health screenings within the postpartum year and up to three years postpartum, as well as follow-up primary care utilization.
- Understanding Patient Barriers — Conducting interviews with women who did and did not receive postpartum care to identify barriers and facilitators to screening.
- Provider Perspectives — Surveying healthcare providers to explore attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to delivering optimal postpartum care.
“Supporting women’s health—particularly reproductive health—has been at the core of my research for years,” said Jones. “Gestational diabetes not only impacts women during pregnancy, but it sets the stage for lifelong health challenges if care is overlooked. This study seeks to understand why critical gaps persist and how we can ensure women get the care they need to thrive, not just in the short term, but for years to come.”
Jones’ research builds on her broader work exploring postpartum care and digital health interventions. She has also been instrumental in mentoring emerging scholars through programs like the Research Scholars Program.