Founding Parties

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent complication during pregnancy, affecting a significant percentage of pregnant women globally. Defined as “diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation,” GDM poses serious health risks for both mother and child if not managed effectively. In Mexico, the prevalence of GDM is estimated to be between 10 and 12%, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and intervention strategies .

The study, led by Héctor Gallardo-Rincón and a team of researchers, introduces the MIDO GDM model—an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-based prediction model designed specifically for the early detection of GDM in Mexican women. This pioneering research, published in Scientific Reports, underscores the potential of AI in transforming healthcare by providing accurate, early predictions that can lead to timely and effective interventions .

Methodology and Development of the MIDO GDM Model

The MIDO GDM model was developed using data from 1709 pregnant women who participated in the multicenter prospective cohort study ‘Cuido mi embarazo’ conducted between April 2019 and May 2021. Out of these, 860 women were used for building the model, half of whom had GDM. The model utilized an artificial neural network (ANN) approach, which offers several advantages over traditional statistical methods. These include the ability to handle non-structured and missing input data, identify complex non-linear relationships, and perform parallel data processing .

Key predictive variables identified for the model included maternal age, family history of type 2 diabetes, previous diagnosis of hypertension, pregestational body mass index (BMI), gestational week at first prenatal visit, parity, birth weight of the last child, and random capillary glucose level. These variables are easily collected and do not require extensive laboratory testing, making the model highly applicable even in low-resource settings .

The ANN model demonstrated high accuracy and sensitivity, with a precision of 70.3% and a sensitivity of 83.3% for identifying women at high risk of developing GDM. The model’s robustness was further validated through external datasets, achieving an area under the ROC curve of 0.9308, indicating excellent predictive performance .

Implementation and Impact

The practical application of the MIDO GDM model within the Mexican healthcare system is a critical step forward. Integrated into the MIDO healthcare strategy, which includes a series of digital platforms aimed at preventing various chronic diseases, the MIDO GDM model will facilitate early detection and personalized healthcare interventions for pregnant women. The system, already utilized in 388 primary healthcare centers across Mexico, offers healthcare professionals and patients access to risk assessments and personalized health recommendations through the Mi Salud Integral app .

This model is not only a tool for early detection but also a strategic innovation that promises to enhance the overall quality of prenatal care. By enabling early identification of GDM risk, healthcare providers can implement preventative measures sooner, potentially reducing the incidence of complications associated with GDM.

Conclusion

The development of the MIDO GDM model represents a significant advancement in the use of AI for healthcare. Its ability to accurately predict GDM using easily obtainable data makes it a valuable tool, particularly in low-resource settings. As the model continues to be refined and integrated into broader healthcare strategies, it holds promise for improving maternal and child health outcomes significantly.

The research, supported by a collaboration of experts from various institutions and the Carlos Slim Foundation, highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. With continued innovation and application, AI-driven models like MIDO GDM could redefine the standards of prenatal care and chronic disease prevention worldwide .

By focusing on early detection and intervention, the MIDO GDM model not only addresses a critical healthcare need but also sets a precedent for future AI applications in medicine. This approach exemplifies how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility and quality, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for populations at risk.

References:

Gallardo-Rincón, H., Ríos-Blancas, M. J., Ortega-Montiel, J., Montoya, A., Martinez-Juarez, L. A., Lomelín-Gascón, J., Saucedo-Martínez, R., Mújica-Rosales, R., Galicia-Hernández, V., Morales-Juárez, L., Illescas-Correa, L. M., Ruiz-Cabrera, I. L., Díaz-Martínez, D. A., Magos-Vázquez, F. J., Vargas Ávila, E. O., Benitez-Herrera, A. E., Reyes-Gómez, D., Carmona-Ramos, M. C., Hernández-González, L., … Tapia-Conyer, R. (2023). MIDO GDM: An innovative artificial intelligence-based prediction model for the development of gestational diabetes in Mexican women. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 6992. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34126-7

Olympic Milestone: A Journey to Equality

The recent World Economic Forum article, “How Paris 2024 aims to become the first-ever gender-equal Olympics” (Masterson, 2024), highlights a monumental achievement in sports history. For the first time, the Olympic Games will achieve full gender parity, with equal representation of women and men athletes. This milestone offers valuable insights and inspiration for the tech industry, where gender disparities remain a pressing issue.

The journey to Olympic gender equality has been long and arduous. From a mere 2.2% female participation in 1900 to 50% in 2024, this progress mirrors the slow but steady advancement of women in various fields, including technology. The tech sector, like the Olympics, has historically been male-dominated, but is gradually evolving towards greater inclusivity.

Beyond Sports: The Wider Impact of Gender Parity

The significance of this Olympic milestone extends far beyond sports. As UN Women notes, sport can be a powerful tool for promoting leadership, teamwork, self-reliance, and confidence in women. These qualities are equally crucial in the tech industry, where women continue to be underrepresented, especially in leadership roles.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 provides a sobering perspective: at the current rate of progress, it will take 131 years to achieve full gender parity across economic, political, health, and education spheres. However, the report also highlights that progress in closing gender gaps correlates with increased growth, innovation, and resilience for countries.

Lessons for the Tech Industry

For the tech industry, these findings underscore the importance of accelerating efforts to achieve gender equality. The report reveals that 60% of organisations in the media, entertainment, and sports industries are implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs focusing on women. The tech sector can draw inspiration from this approach, intensifying its efforts to create more inclusive workplaces and development opportunities for women.

The Olympic gender parity achievement demonstrates the power of setting concrete goals and working consistently towards them. Similarly, tech companies can set clear targets for gender representation at all levels, from entry-level positions to executive roles. This commitment, coupled with supportive policies and programs, can help create a more balanced and diverse tech workforce.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Moreover, the visibility of women athletes in the Olympics can serve as powerful inspiration for girls and young women considering careers in tech. Just as seeing women excel in various sports can encourage girls to pursue athletic endeavours, showcasing successful women in tech can motivate the next generation to enter and thrive in the field.

The Path Forward

As we celebrate this Olympic milestone, let it serve as a catalyst for the tech industry to redouble its efforts in achieving gender parity. By fostering inclusive environments, providing equal opportunities, and highlighting women’s achievements, the tech sector can work towards its own “Olympic moment” of gender equality.

The road to gender parity in tech may be long, but as the Olympic journey shows, with sustained effort and commitment, significant progress is possible. Let the spirit of Olympic equality inspire a new era of gender inclusivity in the tech world, unlocking the full potential of diverse talent and driving innovation for years to come.

References:

Masterson, V. (2024, April 5). How Paris 2024 aims to become the first-ever gender-equal Olympics. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/04/paris-olympics-2024-gender-parity/

World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Gender Gap Report 2023. https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-gender-gap-report-2023/

In a recent Forbes article, The Importance Of After-School And Summer STEM Programs For The Future Workforce, Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of STEM Next, highlights the crucial role of after-school and summer STEM programs in preparing youth for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. While Ottinger’s piece addresses the broader importance of these programs for all youth, we want to explore how these initiatives can specifically benefit girls and women in tech.

The tech industry continues to grapple with gender disparities, with women comprising only about 25% of the workforce (Robinson, 2024). After-school and summer STEM programs offer a unique opportunity to address this imbalance by providing girls with early exposure to STEM fields in supportive, grade-free environments.

Ottinger emphasises that out-of-school time (OST) STEM programs build confidence and career awareness. For girls, who often face societal biases and stereotypes in STEM fields, these programs can be transformative. They create a sense of belonging in STEM, or “STEM identity,” which is crucial for girls considering tech careers. Programs like the Million Girls Moonshot’s Flight Crew, mentioned by Ottinger, connect girls with STEM professionals who share similar backgrounds, helping them envision themselves in these roles.

The flexibility of OST STEM programs allows for quick adaptation to emerging technologies. This agility is particularly beneficial for girls, as it provides exposure to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and machine learning, areas where women are significantly underrepresented. For instance, Ottinger cites After School AI, which offers culturally responsive curricula introducing middle school students, particularly Black and Latinx youth, to AI concepts.

Mathematics proficiency is a key predictor of STEM career opportunities. Ottinger notes that since 2013, U.S. math rankings have declined globally. After-school and summer programs offer additional time for girls to practice and expand their math skills in a low-pressure environment. This extra support can be crucial in helping girls overcome math anxiety and build the strong foundation necessary for pursuing tech careers.

Moreover, these programs often incorporate hands-on activities and real-world applications of STEM concepts. This approach can be particularly engaging for girls, who may benefit from seeing the practical implications of their studies. For example, Ottinger mentions a “jump rope maths series” that teaches maths through sports, music, and dance, making the subject more accessible and enjoyable.

To maximise the impact of these programs on girls’ and women’s participation in tech, several steps can be taken:

1. Increase funding and support for girl-focused STEM initiatives in after-school and summer programs.
2. Develop mentorship programs that connect girls with women in tech fields.
3. Ensure that OST STEM curricula are inclusive and address the specific interests and learning styles of girls.
4. Collaborate with schools to create seamless pathways for girls from OST programs into advanced STEM courses and eventually tech careers.

By leveraging the unique benefits of after-school and summer STEM programs, we can create a more diverse and inclusive tech workforce. These initiatives offer a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of women in technology.

References:

Ottinger, R. (2024, January 22). The Importance Of After-School And Summer STEM Programs For The Future Workforce. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2024/01/22/the-importance-of-after-school-and-summer-stem-programs-for-the-future-workforce/

Robinson, C. (2024, June 18). Women In Tech Stats: How The Industry Can Provide Equal Opportunities. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2024/06/18/women-in-tech-stats-how-the-industry-can-provide-equal-opportunities/