Dietary optimisation as a defence against gestational diabetes

You might be able to join this study if you are at least 18 years old and are up to 16 weeks pregnant. You also need to have a body mass index (BMI) over 25, and at least one risk factor for gestational diabetes. Examples of risk factors include having a family history of diabetes, having had gestational diabetes before, or having a history of polycystic ovary syndrome.

It's important that you plan to receive all your antenatal care at the study centre and are happy to give your consent to take part. If you need support with language, an interpreter can help you understand everything.

However, you won't be able to join if you are pregnant with more than one baby (e.g., twins), or if you have certain health conditions like severe kidney, liver, or heart problems, or psychiatric conditions that need hospital care. You also can't take part if you are taking certain medications like high-dose steroids, have severe anaemia, or if you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. People with very specific dietary needs, such as being vegan or having severe allergies, also won't be able to join.

If you join the study, you'll first have some measurements taken, including your body make-up, what you usually eat, and how active you are. Then, you'll be placed into one of three diet groups: a control group, a reduced-calorie group, or a reduced-carbohydrate group. For several weeks, starting between 12-16 weeks of pregnancy and lasting until 24-28 weeks, nutritious 'diet boxes' with your meals will be delivered to your home every week. You'll have follow-up appointments that will fit in with your usual check-ups at 20, 24-28, and 36 weeks of pregnancy. After your baby is born, you'll also have follow-up visits at 3, 12, and 24 months. While taking part in the study, you will wear a sensor to track your blood sugar levels. Overall, the study will last from when you join early in your pregnancy until 24 months after your baby is born.