Study to Prevent Dysglycemia in Women With GDM

The high-risk nature of women with GDM highlights this group as the "low-hanging fruit" who would substantially benefit from engagement in diabetes prevention programs. Lifestyle intervention has been shown to reduce the progression to T2D among women with GDM.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis including 8 lifestyle intervention trials implemented post-GDM, there was a homogenous 25% reduction (relative risk (RR): 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-1.03) in incident diabetes, though not statistically significant. Of note, trials offering intervention soon after delivery (i.e., <6 months postpartum) were most effective. This contrasts with efforts during pregnancy to reduce GDM, which have failed to reduce GDM unless initiated very early. The long-term follow-up of mothers and offspring from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study has highlighted the increased risk of adiposity, obesity, and diabetes in offspring, who are at increased risk of NCDs later in life. Hence, enrolling mothers with GDM in empowerment and prevention programs will not only reduce their risk of diabetes and CVD but may also benefit other family members, in particular the offspring.

In a previous pilot lifestyle intervention trial in mothers with GDM in the postpartum setting (NCT03669887), the investigators established the logistics of engaging mothers during the busy postpartum period, performing repeated OGTTs and clinical assessments, and co-designing with mothers a lifestyle intervention curriculum suitable for implementation during the postpartum period. The investigators demonstrated the benefit of the intervention in improving the health behaviors of GDM mothers at 1 year. The investigators were able to engage participants with GDM and noted their misconceptions about the long-term impact of GDM, their concerns about whether they can breastfeed, and lack of awareness of the risk of obesity in their offspring. The intervention arm had improved dietary quality as measured using the Dietary Quality Index-International (DQI-I) score, more favorable changes in BMI at 6 months postpartum, and a trend towards better glycemic status after 12 months.

Objectives:

Primary objective

• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent postpartum intervention to prevent incident dysglycemia in women with a history of GDM.

Secondary objectives"

• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on body weight and composition.
• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on cardiometabolic health parameters including blood pressure, heart rate, vital signs, and lipid profiles.
• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on continuous glucose monitoring metrics.
• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on dietary intake.
• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on physical activity.
• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on breastfeeding and infant feeding practices.
• To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on offspring growth, weight, and adiposity.

Compared with conventional care.

Study design: Multi-center, prospective, parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial Study population: Women with a history of GDM Sample size: 800 subjects Intervention: Multicomponent intervention including e-care and wearables Comparator: Conventional care

Setting:

Women with a history of gestational diabetes will be identified from antenatal clinics. The study will be conducted at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the CUHK Medical Centre.

Inclusion criteria

• Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and one additional risk factor (obesity, family history of diabetes, impaired fasting glycemia and/or impaired glucose tolerance and/ and or risk understanding by yourself RUBY score of ≥ 8) at 6-12 weeks postpartum
• Singleton pregnancy
• Willingness, ability and commitment to comply with study procedures
• In the opinion of the investigator, absence of any physical limitations, addictive diseases, or underlying medical conditions (including mental health) that may preclude the patient from being a suitable study candidate.
• Normally residing in Hong Kong
• Able to communicate in Chinese
• Written informed consent to participate in the study provided by the patient

Exclusion criteria

• Known current diabetes
• Current or previous use of glucose-lowering or weight loss drugs at screening
• Concurrent participation in other weight loss or lifestyle intervention programmes
• Any active acute or chronic disease or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with the performance of this study
• Any active acute or chronic infectious disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, would pose an excessive risk to study staff
• Current use or recent exposure to any medication that in the opinion of the investigator could have an influence on the patient's ability to participate in this study or on the performance of the test device
• Known uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis
• Current use of steroids
• Known current or recent alcohol or drug abuse
• Currently participating in another investigational study protocol where the testing or results may interfere with study compliance, diagnostic results, or data collection
• An identified protected vulnerable patient (including but not limited to those in detention, or a prisoner)