Clinical Research Directory

Feasibility Testing of the "MyGlucoCare" Smartphone App for Women With Gestational Diabetes

The goal of this pilot study is to test the feasibility and preliminary impact of "MyGlucoCare," a smartphone-based program designed to support women with gestational diabetes (GDM). The main questions it aims to answer are: Is the "MyGlucoCare" program practical and acceptable for participants? Does it show preliminary signs of improving self-management, blood sugar control, and well-being in women with gestational diabetes (GDM)? Researchers will conduct a single-arm study to gather initial data on the program's use and effects, which will be used to plan a larger future clinical trial. Participants will: Use the "MyGlucoCare" app for 8-12 weeks during their pregnancy. Receive personalized education, support from a clinician, and access to a moderated peer group through the app. Complete questionnaires and log health data via the app at the start, near the end of pregnancy, and after giving birth. Some participants will also take part in an interview to share their feedback on the program.

Effects of Leg Ergometer Versus Arm Ergometer on Blood Glucose, Exercise Tolerance, Weight, and Psychological Stress Among Gestational Diabetic Patients

The current study is a single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 108 participants with diabetes during pregnancy. The trial will compare leg ergometer with arm ergometer. Interventions will be delivered three times per week for eight weeks. The primary outcomes are glucose, exercise tolerance, weight, and psychological stress. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after eight weeks. The trial will be carried out at Jinnah hospital, Services hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The hypothesis is that the leg ergometer including aerobic exercise will result in greater reduction in glucose and exercise tolerance, weight and stress management than arm ergometer.

Insulin Versus Oral Hypoglycemic Agents in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

In order to ascertain the relative safety and effectiveness of insulin and OHAs in the treatment of GDM, well-designed, prospective clinical trials are required. GDM is growing more common, and proper care is crucial to preventing complications. Although the evidence is conflicting, both therapy approaches might be beneficial. To maximize outcomes for both mother and child, evidence-based recommendations for pregnant women with GDM must close this knowledge gap. Comparing the effects of insulin and metformin in gestational diabetes mellitus is the rationale for this study. We can thus give our people a medication with less fetal adverse effects based on these findings. Based on this empirical data, we can then incorporate some useful suggestions into our standard practice guidelines for the use of the more effective medication of the two for gestational diabetes mellitus in order to lower perinatal mortality and fetal morbidity.

Natural Cervical Ripening to Prevent Pharmacological Induction of Labor - a Pilot Study.

As of today, around 25% of all vaginal births happen after induction of labor (IOL). The internal guidelines of the University Hospital Zurich currently recommend pregnant women with a non-insulin dependent gestational diabetes an IOL around term. One possibility to prevent an IOL and increase the chance for a spontaneous onset of birth is a ripening of the cervix by alternative methods in an outpatient setting. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of natural cervical ripening methods on the time interval between 37 weeks (beginning of the intervention) and the onset of spontaneous labor.

mHealth Integrated Model of Hypertension, Diabetes and Antenatal Care in India and Nepal

Our research aims to address a critical gap in the provision of quality antenatal care (ANC) in India and Nepal, by developing and evaluating an intervention comprising of a tablet-based electronic decision support system (EDSS). This intervention -"mIRA" - is an mHealth integrated model of hypertension, diabetes, and antenatal care in primary care settings. mIRA aims to (a) prompt frontline health workers (FHWs) to provide evidence-based routine ANC, and also enhance the detection and management of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and anemia, whilst improving adherence to National ANC guidelines; (b) facilitate record-keeping and reporting and; (c) link providers across various levels of care to improve continuity of care. A cluster randomized controlled (cRCT) to assess the effectiveness of the mIRA EDSS in improving ANC and enhancing the detection and management of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH), Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and anemia will be conducted in Telangana, India. A mixed-methods process evaluation will be conducted in both India and Nepal. The process evaluation will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to changes (improvement) in the quality of ANC by using the EDSS intervention.

Screening for Dysglycemia During Postpartum Period in Women With GDM

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common clinical conditions in pregnancy, with an increasing incidence due to the rise in overweight women and the postponement of motherhood. It is associated with perinatal complications and an increased risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes after delivery. Therefore, it is recommended that a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-75g) be performed between 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Despite its relevance, the rate of adherence to the test is low. Recent studies also indicate that measuring blood glucose one hour after the overload may be more sensitive than the traditional two-hour measurement in the early detection of dysglycemia. This study aims to evaluate strategies for qualifying the screening of metabolic changes in the postpartum period among women with GDM. The objectives are: (1) to analyze the impact of sending reminders via WhatsApp on the attendance rate for the 75g OGTT; and (2) to compare the frequency of prediabetes and diabetes diagnoses using two different diagnostic strategies applied to the same test-the traditional (fasting and 2-hour blood glucose) and the alternative (fasting and 1-hour blood glucose).

Poi for Mama: a Pilot to Improve Maternal Microbiome and Gestational Diabetes Risk

This investigator-initiated, non-randomized pilot study evaluates the effect of daily consumption of fermented poi on the maternal microbiome and gestational diabetes risk during pregnancy. Fifty pregnant participants between approximately 12 and 24 weeks of gestation will receive one pound of poi daily for four weeks, accompanied by culturally tailored nutrition education delivered via secure text messaging. Changes in vaginal, oral, and rectal microbiome composition, diet quality, gestational diabetes diagnosis, and pregnancy-related outcomes will be assessed and compared with matched controls derived from an existing cohort. This study aims to inform the feasibility and design of a larger culturally grounded dietary intervention for gestational diabetes prevention.

Determining the Effect of Food Ordering on Blood Glucose In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (DEFI-GDM)

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether the sequence of macronutrient consumption affects post-prandial glycaemia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. The main questions it aims to answer are: * The difference in the magnitude of postprandial rise in blood glucose between the two test meals. * The difference in the magnitude of postprandial change in serum levels of gut hormones between the two test meals. * The difference in mean change in pre-post ingestion satiety scores between the two test meals. * The difference in 24 hour energy and macronutrient intake following the two test meals. Participants will attend two study visits at the Centre for Public Health, with an interval of at least two days between the visits and complete the following, anthropometric measurements, demographic and appetite questionnaires, glucose measurements, two food diaries and fasting blood samples and the consumption of the study breakfast. Participants will be asked to eat either the protein/fat-based component of the meal (scrambled egg) before or after the carbohydrate-based component (wholemeal toast) on their first visit and on the other visit they will be asked to eat the meal in the reverse order. The order in which this occurs will be randomised and each participant will act as their own control. Researchers will compare the results from participants between the two test meals to see if the order of macronutrient consumption has any effect on post-prandial glycaemia, gut hormones, satiety scores and energy and macronutrient intake.

Gestational Diabetes and Health Outcomes in Mothers and Babies

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by impaired glucose metabolism and increased insulin resistance. GDM is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased long-term risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease for both mother and offspring. This prospective observational cohort study aims to establish a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort of women diagnosed with GDM. Pregnant women with a positive 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between gestational weeks 24 and 28 will be recruited after diagnosis and followed through late pregnancy, delivery, and early postpartum. Participants will undergo two study visits during pregnancy, sample collection at delivery, and one postpartum visit 8-12 weeks after birth. Clinical data, physical measurements, questionnaire-based information, and biological samples will be collected from mothers and infants to enable comprehensive phenotyping of GDM pregnancies. Data and biosamples from this cohort will be used for descriptive and hypothesis-driven analyses and may be compared with data from an existing longitudinal cohort of healthy pregnancies to support interpretation of GDM-related changes.

Glycemic Markers for Predicting Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women With Previous Bariatric Surgery

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with significant maternal and fetal complications. The standard diagnostic test for GDM is the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, pregnant women who have undergone bariatric surgery may not tolerate OGTT due to dumping syndrome and gastrointestinal side effects. This creates diagnostic challenges in this specific population. The aim of this prospective observational study is to evaluate whether routinely measured glycemic markers, including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and urinary glucose levels, can predict the development of gestational diabetes mellitus and related pregnancy complications in women with prior bariatric surgery. Pregnant women aged 18-50 years with a history of bariatric surgery will be enrolled and followed throughout pregnancy. The predictive value of glycemic markers for GDM, macrosomia, and polyhydramnios will be analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. This study aims to provide alternative diagnostic approaches for GDM screening in pregnant women who are unable to tolerate OGTT and to contribute to improving maternal and perinatal outcomes in this growing patient population.

Imprinting in Metabolic Diseases - Identifying Epigenetic Mechanisms in Human Gestational Diabetes Through Cell-free DNA

This clinical trials aims to investigate the impact of parental metabolism during pregnancy on fetal epigenetic signatures. The metabolic profiles of both parents will be evaluated through a blood sample collected from the father and an oral glucose tolerance test administered to the pregnant mother. Additionally, epigenetic signatures will be assessed using parental blood samples. Fetal epigenetic signatures can be identified by analyzing fetal cell-free DNA that circulates in the mother's bloodstream.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Breastfeeding Support for Patients With Gestational Diabetes

The investigators will use implementation methods to develop better breastfeeding support for patients with gestational diabetes as a way to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Digital Health Intervention for Early Identification and Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

This study aims to develop and evaluate an early risk identification and digital health intervention strategy for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among pregnant women in China. Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common pregnancy complication associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including excessive gestational weight gain, macrosomia, cesarean delivery, and increased long-term risk of metabolic disorders in both mothers and offspring. The study includes two components. First, retrospective multi-source clinical data from maternal health records will be used to develop and validate a risk prediction model for early identification of pregnant women at high risk of GDM. Second, pregnant women identified as high risk in early pregnancy will be enrolled in a multicenter randomized controlled trial and assigned to either a digital health intervention group or a usual care group. The intervention includes online health education, individualized lifestyle guidance, behavioral self-management tools, and interactive consultation through a digital platform. The primary outcome is the incidence of GDM diagnosed during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes include gestational weight gain, cesarean delivery, macrosomia, and other maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study is expected to provide evidence for improving early risk assessment, intelligent warning, and prevention strategies for GDM in the context of maternal health management in China.

Placental Biology in Health and Disease

Pre-eclampsia (PET) is a condition characterised by high blood pressure and damage to other organs, and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications such as fetal growth restriction (FGR). Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) involves abnormal blood sugar levels during pregnancy and can have both short and long-term impacts on the health of the mother and child. Both conditions are linked to placental dysfunction but the precise mechanisms behind these links remain unclear. A major focus of this study is on extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are tiny, bubble-like particles released by the placenta into the mother's and baby's bloodstreams. These EVs act as messengers, carrying proteins, lipids and genetic material that can influence how cells function, even in parts of the body far from the placenta. Notably, the number and content of these EVs change in conditions like PET and GDM, suggesting they may play a role in the development of these complications. This single-site, observational, laboratory study aims to investigate how these EVs contribute to maternal health and disease. To enable analysis across different physiological and pathological conditions pregnant participants with healthy pregnancies, pregnancies predisposed to PET and pregnancies complicated by GDM, FGR and PET will be recruited alongside healthy non-pregnant controls. Recruitment will be from the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford (who fund the research). Demographic and clinical data will be collected as well as blood, urine, breath, placenta, umbilical cord, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid and/or uterine vein blood samples. Through examining EV content and function, it is hoped a better understanding of their role in pregnancy complications will be gained, including their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection and targeted treatments, improving outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.

COntinuous Glucose Monitoring in nEwborns of Mothers With Insulin-Treated Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study is to determine whether continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves the detection and management of neonatal hypoglycaemia in newborns of mothers with insulin-treated gestational diabetes.

Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Diabetes in U.S. Home Visiting Programs

The study is examining the health effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) intervention and medically tailored meals within home visiting. A large study is proposed that will include nearly a thousand pregnant or recently pregnant adults with recent GDM and who are from different regions and backgrounds. Two treatment approaches are compared, and both are in home visiting. One treatment group is receiving enhanced lifestyle support for GDM along with meals, and the other is receiving just the enhanced lifestyle support. The study will examine whether these interventions help reduce diabetes and pre-diabetes through 12 months postpartum, as well as other health factors like weight and blood pressure.

Validating CGM for GDM

This is a prospective pilot study to assess the validity of using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Pregnant individuals between the ages of 18-50 years old receiving prenatal care at Mount Sinai Hospital (e..g, E-Level clinic and Faculty Practice Associates) will be enrolled. Potential participants will be approached during their prenatal care appointments. Participants will complete an informed consent form for the study during their standard-of-care prenatal appointments at our institution.

Effectiveness of Mobile Application-Supported Education and Counseling in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of mobile application-supported education and counseling on the intention, attitude, behavior, and self-efficacy of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The study will be conducted at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, with participants assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive planned education and counseling via a mobile application, while the control group will receive standard hospital education. Data will be collected at predetermined intervals, and outcomes will be compared between the groups. The study seeks to determine the effectiveness of a mobile application-supported approach in the management of gestational diabetes.

Hong Kong Gestational Diabetes Register (HKGDR)

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition that affects approximately one out of every six pregnancies. It is defined by elevated levels of blood glucose during pregnancy, usually detected through a glucose challenge test conducted at approximately 24-28 weeks of gestation. Gestational diabetes, by nature of the elevated glucose levels during pregnancy, is known to be linked to an increased risk of some conditions in the mother. Furthermore, the elevated glucose, if not well controlled, can be linked to a higher birth weight in the baby, as well as other effects. Although it is known that women with gestational diabetes have higher risks of diabetes later in life, exactly why gestational diabetes increases the risk of diabetes is not entirely known. It is known that some of the genetic factors that are linked to gestational diabetes are also linked to diabetes risk. Furthermore, how elevated glucose during pregnancy may affect later generations is not entirely clear. This is a research study that aims to improve the postnatal follow-up of women with gestational diabetes. Currently, there are no standard recommendations on how women with gestational diabetes should be followed up after they have given birth. Furthermore, despite being at increased risk of other metabolic problems including high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, and obesity, these are not routinely being monitored after gestational diabetes. The study aims to enroll women with gestational diabetes into a multi-center registry, where they will be provided with information about the long-term risks of metabolic diseases and be reminded to undergo regular assessments to monitor their health status, including assessment of glucose status, monitoring of blood pressure, as well as other parameters. Regular assessments will be provided for the initial 3 years. A subgroup of participants will also be invited to participate in a separate study of a lifestyle intervention program to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. It is hoped that results from this study will help guide the development of care programs to better monitor the health of women after pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes, which will help improve the overall health of the population. In addition, the study aims to identify clinical factors, genetic and other biological biomarkers, as well as algorithms to predict different clinical outcomes and categorize participants into different subtypes of gestational diabetes, in order to optimize future treatments according to the characteristics of each individual.

The Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Cerebral Blood Flow and Cerebrovascular Function After Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) currently affects approximately 14% of all pregnancies worldwide. Importantly, the health-related consequences of GDM extend well beyond pregnancy, such that women with a history of GDM have a 40% increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases and a 67% increased risk of dementia, compared to women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancy. Women with a history of GDM have impaired skin microvascular function, compared with women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancy. Therefore, it's likely that GDM results in impaired brain blood vessel function, yet there is little-to-no information regarding the effects of GDM on brain blood vessel health and function after pregnancy. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of GDM on brain blood flow and brain blood vessel function in healthy women with either a history of GDM or uncomplicated pregnancy. In this study, the investigators will use two different types of ultrasound to non-invasively measure brain blood flow. Brain blood vessel function will be evaluated by examining the brain blood flow responses to increases in carbon dioxide (the increases in carbon dioxide are similar to what is experienced during a breath hold). Additionally, the investigators will compare the brain blood flow results to skin microvascular function to explore potential mechanisms behind possible impairments in brain blood vessel function. Skin microvascular function will be assessed using a minimally invasive technique (intradermal microdialysis for the local delivery of pharmaceutical agents) on dime sized areas of the forearm. Finally, for screening purposes and to further explore potential mechanisms behind any potential impairments in brain blood vessel function, the investigators will perform blood draws to determine the metabolic health of the participants and to analyze for substances that influence blood vessel function.

Sarcopenia in Gestational Diabetes

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, and physical performance deterioration. Prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly people is remarkably high (prevalence of about 25% in 60+ years people). In type 2 diabetes (T2D), sarcopenia is emerging as comorbidity of major concern. Sarcopenia, however, is not limited to elderly people, as it can develop also in younger individuals with prevalence around 9% or even higher according to some investigators. Of note, sarcopenia has been reported even in the 20-29 years interval. This interval includes women of childbearing age, thus raising the question whether sarcopenia may occur also in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and whether this may affect pregnancy outcomes. Also, association between sarcopenia and cognitive impairment has been repeatedly reported, to the point that some authors have emphasized the importance of early sarcopenia recognition for prevention of cognitive impairment. Therefore, our main aims are: 1. To ascertain whether sarcopenia is present in GDM and, in that case, its prevalence; 2. To identify risk factors for sarcopenia; 3. To determine sarcopenia impact on pregnancy outcomes, and cognitive function. During pregnancy, all women will undergo oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for assessment of the glucometabolic condition. Several clinical variables of interest in sarcopenia will also be recorded. As regards the OGTT data, special focus will be on the assessment of insulin resistance, both at fasting and during the dynamic conditions determined by the OGTT. Notably, the special interest for insulin resistance is due to the reason that this type of metabolic alteration is known to be a risk factor for sarcopenia. In fact, all women will then undergo testing for diagnosis of sarcopenia (or presarcopenia), and all data and parameters will be analyzed to identify relationships between sarcopenia-related variables and GDM-related ones. It is worth noting that in consideration of the exacerbated insulin resistance condition often observed in GDM, the investigators expect indeed a not negligible prevalence of sarcopenia (or at least presarcopenia) in GDM women, despite the young (non-elderly) age. In addition, since insulin resistance is often present in pregnancy even in the absence of dysglycemia, the investigators do not exclude to identify some cases of sarcopenia/presarcopenia even in pregnant non-GDM women. This study will be the basis for future studies (also of interventional type), especially in women with GDM for prevention of sarcopenia and related possible pregnancy complication and adverse pregnancy outcomes, as well as for possibly contributing to mitigation of risk for T2D development in later life.

The Feasibility Of Expectant Management Versus Induction At 38 Weeks Among Individuals With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial (EAGER Pilot Trial)

The EAGER pilot trial is designed to assess the feasibility of a Canadian, multicentre prospective randomized open-label blinded end-point (PROBE) clinical trial addressing whether induction of labour (IOL) at 38 weeks' gestation compared to expectant management (EM) reduces severe perinatal mortality and morbidity among individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Eligible participants will be consented between 32 weeks + 0 days and 38 weeks + 0 days gestation and randomized between 36 weeks + 0 days and 38 weeks + 0 days gestation. Participants will be randomized to one of two arms: * Intervention Arm: IOL between 38 weeks + 0 days and 38 weeks + 6 days OR * Control Arm: EM without intervention until spontaneous labour, or earlier if a medical indication arises. A total of 260 participants (130 per group) will be recruited from Canadian sites, where participants will have 3 study visits: 1. Enrollment and randomization 2. After delivery and up to 72 hours postpartum 3. 6 weeks postpartum At enrollment and randomization, patient-reported baseline and clinical data from medical charts will be collected. Upon admission to hospital for labour and delivery, a blood sample may be collected to assess HbA1C and plasma glucose levels. After delivery and up to 72 hours postpartum, study feasibility will be assessed through patient-reported outcomes and administrative and clinical data. At 6 weeks postpartum, participants will be surveyed for secondary health resource use. Findings from this pilot will inform the design, implementation and feasibility of a future full-scale randomized controlled trial.

Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

This prospective cohort study investigates glycaemic variability, assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its association with fetal growth and related maternal and neonatal outcomes. Participants will undergo 14 days of CGM during pregnancy to characterise individual glycaemic patterns. Clinical and paraclinical data, including fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, organ markers of pregnancy-related medical conditions, maternal weight gain, and blood pressure will be collected at two study visits. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 2-hour values will be obtained at diagnosis. All participants will receive standard GDM care and routine obstetric follow-up for assessment of fetal growth and wellbeing. Birth weight, birth weight z-scores, and relevant neonatal outcomes will be recorded after delivery. Statistical analyses will be performed using Stata statistical software (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA). Continuous and categorical variables will be summarised using appropriate descriptive statistics. Associations between maternal glycaemic variability and neonatal as well as other maternal metabolic outcomes will be explored using suitable statistical methods, with adjustment for relevant covariates. Exploratory analyses may include additional glycaemic variability metrics and lipid parameters to further characterise maternal metabolic patterns.

Implementation and Evaluation of Bump2Baby and Me+ Programme for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Routine Maternity Care Setting.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 1 in 7 pregnancies globally and is associated with significant short and long-term health consequences for both mothers and infants. While lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can effectively reduce GDM risk and its complications, there is limited guidance on how to translate this evidence into routine antenatal and postpartum care. This project looks to address this gap by exploring the effectiveness of the B2B\&Me+ programme within regular maternity services across four European countries and how best to implement it. Women identified as being at higher risk of developing GDM using a GDM screening tool will receive access to the smartphone application that connects them with their health coach, who will provide personalised support about healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellbeing, and infant care from early pregnancy until 9 months after birth. The participants will be randomised initially to a specific referral pathway for the intervention.