Clinical Research Directory

Studying Phenotypes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in an Asian Pregnant Cohort

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a transient hyperglycemic condition identified during pregnancy in women without a history of chronic diabetes. Evidence indicates that GDM can lead to various adverse health outcomes, including preterm birth, progression to pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes after delivery in mothers. Notably, GDM is becoming increasingly prevalent among Asian pregnant women due to rising rates of overweight and obesity, as well as genetic susceptibility. Despite growing recognition of GDM, its treatment efficiency and efficacy remain poor, primarily due to its heterogeneity, which is underpinned by various pathophysiological mechanisms. Therefore, a better understanding of GDM heterogeneity can aid clinicians in providing more targeted treatment and follow-up strategies for GDM mothers. This study aims to define GDM phenotypes based on in vivo cardio-metabolic profiles and treatment response during pregnancy, utilizing advanced technologies such as continuous glucose profiling and untargeted metabolite profiling. In this proposed 3-year pregnancy cohort study, the investigators will recruit 800 overweight or obese Asian pregnant women in early pregnancy, without a history of diabetes, and follow them through to delivery. The goal of the study is to develop systematic antenatal and postnatal screening, treatment, and intervention guidelines for mothers with GDM.

Topical Insulin for Postoperative Wound Healing

This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of applying topical insulin therapy on the management and healing of postoperative wounds in patients known with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and in a parallel group without diabetes. Investigators also studied the effect of topical insulin therapy on the expression of e-cadherin and Ki67, as markers for cellular proliferation and wound repair. The levels of IL-6 and the H2O2-induced DNA damage product, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were assessed as markers for inflammation and oxidative stress. Finally, histomorphological assessment of skin biopsies was also carried out.