Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Culturally-tailored Personalized Nutrition Intervention in South Asian Women at Risk of Gestational Diabetes

This study aims to find out if a special healthy eating plan, made with South Asian women in mind, can help them control their blood sugar levels during pregnancy. We know that South Asian women have a higher chance of developing a type of diabetes called gestational diabetes when they're pregnant. This can cause problems for both the mother and the baby. Researchers have created a detailed eating guide and want to see if it works better than general healthy eating advice. The goal is to help break the cycle of diabetes risks for future generations and provide important information to guide future health recommendations for pregnant women at risk.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

140

Start

26 Nov 2020

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Diabetes, Gestational

What is this study about?

This study, called DESI-GDM, is all about helping pregnant South Asian women manage their blood sugar levels. Many women from South Asian backgrounds in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka have a higher chance of getting type 2 diabetes later in life. They also have a much higher risk of developing a special type of diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes. This can lead to health problems for both the mum and the baby, like babies being born larger or having issues with their blood sugar.

Researchers have been working with South Asian women to understand what kind of advice would be most helpful. They found that women want to learn more about healthy eating to stop diabetes during pregnancy, and they're interested in using technology like smartphones to help them. So, the team created a new eating plan that's made specifically for South Asian women and their cultural foods.

This study will compare this special eating plan with the usual advice about healthy eating. A health coach will guide some women through the new plan. The main goals are to see if this special plan helps to improve blood sugar levels and lowers the chances of getting gestational diabetes. The results from this study will be really important for doctors and health organisations to create better advice and support for pregnant women at risk of gestational diabetes in the future.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on healthy eating for South Asian pregnant women.
Aims to lower blood sugar and prevent gestational diabetes.
Compares special cultural diet advice with usual care.
Could help break the cycle of diabetes risk for mothers and babies.
Results will guide future health recommendations.
Participation includes blood sugar checks and dietary guidance.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for pregnant women who are between 12 and 18 weeks pregnant and have ancestors from South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka. You should be expecting one baby, not twins or more.

You might be suitable to join if you have at least two of the following: you're over 29 years old, your usual diet isn't very healthy, you have a close family member (like a parent or sibling) with type 2 diabetes, you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, or your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 23.17 or higher.

We would not be able to include you if you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, have high blood pressure, find it difficult to understand English, are not willing to change your eating habits, or have other serious pregnancy risks (like expecting twins, using fertility treatments, or having a history of certain pregnancy problems). You also need to have a smartphone and be willing to walk, and not be experiencing severe sickness or already taking part in another medical study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 18 weeks pregnant?
Do you have South Asian ancestry (e.g., from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)?
Are you only expecting one baby?
Do you have any of these: over 29 years old, a family history of type 2 diabetes, previous gestational diabetes, or a higher pre-pregnancy BMI (23.17+)?
Do you own a smartphone and are willing to change your diet?
Do you generally feel well and don't have existing serious health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will receive special advice on healthy eating that's tailored to South Asian cultures and delivered by a trained health coach. The other group will receive the usual advice about healthy eating during pregnancy. The study will involve regular checks of your blood sugar levels, likely through blood tests after drinking a special sugary drink. You'll also be asked about your diet and overall health. The specific number of visits or assessments will be explained to you, but the study will follow you through your pregnancy to see how the advice impacts your health and your baby's health. We expect the study to last for the duration of your pregnancy and potentially for a short period after your baby is born.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you several potential benefits. You might gain a better understanding of healthy eating during pregnancy, specifically tailored to your cultural background, which could help you manage your blood sugar levels and potentially reduce your risk of gestational diabetes. This could lead to a healthier pregnancy for you and your baby. However, as with any study, there could be some minor risks, such as discomfort from blood tests or the time commitment involved in following the programme. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Farah Khan
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. It means your body isn't processing sugar properly, which can affect both you and your baby's health.

Why are South Asian women at higher risk?

Research shows that women of South Asian descent have a naturally higher risk of developing gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes later in life compared to women from other ethnic backgrounds, even if they appear to be otherwise healthy.

What does 'culturally-tailored nutrition' mean?

It means the healthy eating advice is created with your cultural foods and eating traditions in mind. It's not just general advice but specific guidance that fits with the foods you usually eat at home.

Will I have to eat bland food?

No, the aim of 'culturally-tailored' advice is to help you make healthy choices within the foods you already enjoy, rather than making you eat boring food. A health coach will help you find delicious and healthy options.

What happens if I don't want to continue in the study?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without having to explain why. Your medical care will not be affected if you decide to withdraw.