Weight changes throughout pregnancy and postpartum in women with GDM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Weight changes throughout pregnancy and postpartum in women with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
IRAS ID
324475
Contact name
Alyson Hill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy arising around 28 weeks gestation and characterised by hyperglycaemia (high blood sugars) which usually resolves after pregnancy. Women with a history of GDM have an 8-10 fold increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to women without GDM and the risk of developing GDM is highest within 3-6 years. Several factors are associated with a more rapid progression to type 2 diabetes, one of which is excessive weight gained during pregnancy and secondly the inability to lose pregnancy induced weight gain post-delivery. However currently there are no GWG guidelines specific for use within the UK and women are not routinely weighed throughout pregnancy, therefore it is likely that women’s understanding of the topic is poor and they are not aware of the associated risks of developing Type 2 diabetes. Therefore this study aims 1) to assess weight changes throughout pregnancy in women with GDM and compare this to the available guidelines 2) explore patient knowledge and attitudes to weight management practice associated with pregnancy.
Eligible women aged between 18-45 years diagnosed with GDM over a 6 month period will be recruited by the lead dietitian from the GDM clinic within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT). There are two phases to the study. Study 1: The lead dietitian will measure weight and collect body weight from these women at least 3 time during pregnancy and collect a 7 day food diary at time of GDM diagnosis. Study 2: the lead dietitian will distribute an anonymous questionnaire to pregnant women with GDM attending the same clinic regarding their experience and knowledge of weight gain management throughout pregnancy. This data from both parts of the study will be anonymised and transferred to PhD researcher for analysis.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
23/NI/0078
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion