Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester, and resolves after delivery — though it significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life for the mother and metabolic problems for the child. Managing blood glucose during pregnancy prevents complications including large-for-gestational-age babies and birth trauma.
What's actually going on in research
Metformin has been shown to control gestational diabetes blood sugar comparably to insulin in most settings with lower cost and no injections, and trials are clarifying its long-term safety for offspring. Prevention trials are testing whether dietary, lifestyle, and probiotic interventions in early pregnancy can prevent gestational diabetes in high-risk women. Long-term follow-up trials are tracking children born to mothers with gestational diabetes for metabolic health outcomes through childhood.
Metformin in pregnancy
Trials are clarifying the safety and effectiveness of metformin versus insulin for blood sugar control in gestational diabetes, including long-term follow-up of children exposed in utero.
Prevention interventions
Structured lifestyle programs, dietary counseling, and probiotic supplementation started early in pregnancy are being tested to prevent gestational diabetes in high-risk women.
Continuous glucose monitoring
Wearable glucose sensors that provide continuous readings are being tested during pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes for better glycemic control and pregnancy outcomes.
What to know before you search
Eligibility requires a gestational diabetes diagnosis by glucose challenge and tolerance testing, typically at 24–28 weeks, with blood sugar severity and gestational age criteria.
What types of trials are currently open
- Drug trials — Comparing insulin, metformin, and other glucose-lowering strategies in gestational diabetes management.
- Prevention trials — Testing dietary, exercise, probiotic, and lifestyle interventions to prevent gestational diabetes onset.
- Technology trials — Evaluating continuous glucose monitoring and closed-loop insulin delivery during pregnancy.
- Long-term outcomes studies — Tracking mothers and children after gestational diabetes for type 2 diabetes and metabolic health.
- Nutrition trials — Testing specific dietary patterns and carbohydrate targets for gestational diabetes blood sugar control.
Recently added Gestational Diabetes trials
Cardiometabolic Disease and Substrate Metabolism
This study's primary purpose is to determine the potential relationship between cardiometabolic disease, specifically insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and maternal lipid oxidation.
Impact of Behavioural Modification Working Toolkit Among Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Behavioral Modification Working (BMW) Toolkit in improving glycemic control and blood pressure among pregnant women diagnosed with both GDM and PIH.
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