Clinical Research Directory

Effects of a Non-nutritive Sweetener Reduction Intervention in Pregnancy and Lactation on Maternal and Infant Outcomes

The effects of consuming non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) during pregnancy and lactation on infant obesity and cardiometabolic disease risk are not well understood. In this project, pregnant women who frequently consume NNS will be randomly assigned to an NNS-restriction intervention (NNS restriction during pregnancy and lactation or during lactation only) or a control group (no NNS restriction) to determine whether NNS consumption during pregnancy and/or lactation affects infant body composition, maternal blood sugar during pregnancy, and the infants' gut microbiome and metabolome. The results of this study have the potential to shape recommendations around NNS consumption during pregnancy and lactation, thereby potentially improving maternal and infant metabolic health and reducing the global burden of obesity and cardiometabolic disease.

Dietary Management of Gestational Diabetes

eMOM is a randomized, controlled trial to compare the effects of two different dietary interventions during pregnancy. The comparison is based on tissue glucose content (using continuous glucose monitoring system) in pregnant women and on neonate body composition. The recruited women (n=60) have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, and are of Caucasian origin. Of the study diets, one is moderately carbohydrate restricted and the other one is high on plant-based protein with an emphasis on healthy Nordic foods. The study has two two-week study periods that are carried out on approximately gestational weeks 24-28 (period I) and 34-36 (period II). Continuous glucose monitoring and other measurements (accelerometer, 3-day food record, gut microbiota, serum lipids, metabolomics, epigenetics etc.) are done during these study periods. At the beginning of the study, before study period I, the participants are randomized to either one of the intervention diets. The first study period consists of a crossover phase in which the participants receive three days' worth of food according to one of the intervention diets (according to the randomization) after which there is a three-day wash-out period. After the wash-out period, the participants receive three days' worth of food according to the other diet. After the first study period, a nutritionist advises the lastly followed intervention diet to the participant and the diet is followed until delivery. To ensure the diet is followed, the participants gets at least three personal face-to-face counseling sessions, phone calls, mobile reminders, recipes and food items. After delivery, the infant's body composition, epigenetic markers of cord blood and placenta, gut microbiome and urine metabolomics are measured.

Effects of Vitamin D and Prebiotic Supplementation on Glucose Control During Pregnancy

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included pregnant women at high risk of GDM at 6-15 weeks of gestation is to investigate whether supplementation with vitamin D (1600 IU per day) or prebiotics (inulin, 10 gram per day) during pregnancy has beneficial effects on controlling blood glucose during pregnancy.

Strategies for Implementing a Postpartum Lifestyle Intervention in WIC Clinics

The primary objective of the STRIVE study is to compare two implementation strategies for Diabetes Prevention Program delivery: an in-person health coach strategy (standard 24 in-person sessions at WIC clinics) vs. a multifaceted technology-assisted health coach implementation strategy (12 in-person sessions at WIC clinics supplemented by technology support) on implementation and health-related outcomes in postpartum women.

Inhaled Insulin vs Rapid-acting Injections for Post-meal Glucose Control in Women With Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women aged 18-40 with gestational diabetes (GDM) will take part in this study. We want to see how two different insulin treatments affect their blood sugar after they eat. These women usually use a rapid-acting insulin analog (RAA) that's injected to control their blood sugar before and after meals. They will come to the clinic for two meal sessions. For the first meal, we will randomly decide if they will use the usual RAA insulin or a newer inhaled insulin called technosphere insulin (TI). They will use the other type of insulin for their second meal. After each meal, we will compare their blood sugar levels.

Early Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Low Risk Population

This new feasibility pilot study aims to refine the design and protocols for a larger trial that will investigate the potential benefits of early oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) screening in a population traditionally defined as low-risk for development of gestational diabetes. The study will evaluate its potential effectiveness in reducing the risks of neonatal morbidity/mortality and obstetric complications. Additionally, a machine learning algorithm to predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk based on routinely obtained clinical information at pregnancy booking, and minimally invasive methods, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sampling, are being explored to predict the risk of hyperglycaemia. This study aims to investigate the utility of early pregnancy screening to enable timely detection and management of early gestational diabetes development in a low-risk population, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Comparison of the Detection Rates of 50 Gr-100 Gr OGTT and 75 Gr OGTT That Require Medical Treatment of GDM

Both 50 gr OGTT-100 gr OGTT and 75 gr OGTT are used for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus. Two approaches are approved by obstetricians. With this study, we aim to compare the gestational diabetes mellitus detection rate of these different tests.