Distance Shouldn’t Defeat You
Overcoming barriers to gestational diabetes care in rural areas with telehealth, transportation benefits, and confident self-advocacy.
Your Health is Worth the Journey
If you live in a rural area, you know that “just popping into the doctor’s office” is never a simple task. It often requires a long drive, gas money, and a full day of planning. For many African American women, these distances can become a wall between you and the care you need for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, also known as GDM.
At Rooted in Violet, we believe every woman is the architect of her own health. Even when the system makes it hard, your voice is the strongest medicine you have. We want to help you move from a reactive approach to proactive wellness by bridging the gap between where you live and the care you deserve.
Breaking Down the Roadblocks
Living miles away from a specialist should not mean your health takes a back seat. Many rural communities are considered maternity deserts, where there are not enough doctors to care for moms-to-be. This leads to real challenges.
The Postpartum Gap
In rural areas, only about 30% of women get their follow-up glucose testing after the baby is born, compared to 52% of women in cities.
High Stakes
Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to face pregnancy complications, making every screening vital for protection.
Logistical Stress
The cost of gas and the lack of childcare can make a simple check-up feel impossible, especially when appointments require hours on the road.
Solution 1: Telehealth – Care from Your Couch
You do not always have to be in the same room as your doctor to get great care. Telehealth allows you to talk to a provider using your phone or computer.
- Closing the gap: Studies show telehealth helps close the care gap between Black and White patients.
- Real-time feedback: Share your blood sugar logs and get immediate advice without the commute.
- Peace of mind: Staying home can reduce health anxiety and keep you in a comfortable environment.
Solution 2: Your Insurance is Your Boarding Pass
Many women do not realize their insurance card can provide a ride. Under Medicaid and many private plans, you may have access to Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, also known as NEMT.
- Gas money: Some plans reimburse mileage if you have a car but cannot afford fuel for long rural drives.
- Friendly drivers: In some areas, Medicaid can pay a friend or neighbor to drive you if they sign up as a provider.
- Pharmacy trips: Coverage often includes rides to pick up insulin or glucose monitors, not just doctor visits.
- Extra perks: Some companies offer transportation as a value-added service to help you stay healthy.
How to Book Your Ride
Insurance companies usually use a broker to schedule these rides. In rural areas, early planning gives you the best chance of getting the transportation you need.
Tell the plan exactly how far you live from your clinic, specialist, pharmacy, or lab.
Write down who you spoke with, the date, and any confirmation number you receive.
- Call early.
Most plans require you to call at least two to five workdays before your appointment. The earlier you call, the better.
- Have details ready.
You will need your Member ID, the doctor’s address, and the exact time of your visit.
- Confirm and note.
Always ask for a confirmation number for your ride and the name of the transportation company.
Using the ROOT Framework™ for Your Care
Use this self-advocacy blueprint when talking to your doctor, care team, or insurance company. It helps you speak up and co-create your care plan with confidence.
Reveal What’s Going On
Be honest about your situation.
“I live 30 miles away and don’t have a reliable car. I am worried about missing my glucose tests.”
Offer Your Observations
Share what you have noticed about your access barriers.
“I’ve noticed that public transit doesn’t come this far out, so I need help with a ride or gas money.”
Outline What You Need
Clearly state your care goals and next step.
“Can we do my next check-up via telehealth?”
Take Note & Follow Up
Document everything so you can protect your plan.
Write down the date of your telehealth call or the confirmation number for your ride.
Advocacy is Healing
Speaking up for your needs is not being difficult. It is collaboration. By using telehealth and transportation benefits, you move from being a patient navigating a system to a partner designing your own health outcomes.
🌿 Take the Next Step: Download our Gestational Diabetes Violet Sheet™ to track your sugar levels and prepare your questions for your next telehealth or in-person visit.
References
- Afro News. (2026). Black women in rural areas grapple with stark decline in obstetric care.
- Health and Human Services (HHS). (2024). Nonemergency medical transportation program.
- PMC. (2026). Telehealth uptake and rural-urban and racial/ethnic disparities in postpartum care access.
- Rooted in Violet & Co. (2025). Rooted in Violet & Co: Business Plan.
- Rooted in Violet & Co. (2025). The ROOT Framework™: A Self-Advocacy Blueprint for Women’s Health and Healing.
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2024). Nonemergency medical transportation program.