CompletedInterventional

Mediterranean diet to prevent type 2 diabetes in mothers who had diabetes in pregnancy: a feasibility study

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Although it usually goes away after birth, women who have had it have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This pilot study is testing whether following a Mediterranean diet for a year after giving birth can help protect mothers against type 2 diabetes. A Mediterranean diet is rich in fruit, vegetables, oily fish, nuts, and olive oil, and low in red meat and sugary foods. Researchers want to see if this support plan works well in everyday NHS care. Participants agree to join while pregnant and start the diet about two to three months after giving birth. To help with costs and practicalities, researchers provide free nuts and olive oil, as well as support through a mobile phone app and a trained health coach.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

31 May 2019

Estimated completion

27 Dec 2019

Gestational diabetes

What is this study about?

During pregnancy, some women develop high blood sugar levels, known as gestational diabetes. For most women, blood sugar returns to normal shortly after their baby is born. However, having had gestational diabetes means there is a much higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Finding simple, practical ways to protect women's long-term health after pregnancy is very important.

This study explores whether eating a Mediterranean diet can lower this risk. A Mediterranean diet focuses on fresh, wholesome foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, oily fish, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, while cutting down on sugary treats and processed red meat. Because healthy ingredients can be costly and life with a new baby is busy, the study provides participants with free olive oil and nuts, alongside guidance from a personal health coach and an interactive smartphone app.

Before running a huge clinical trial across the UK, doctors need to know if this programme is realistic and enjoyable for new mothers. This is called a feasibility study. By testing the idea with a smaller group in London, researchers can learn what works, what needs improving, and whether mums find the dietary advice easy to fit into family life.

Key takeaways

The study tests whether a Mediterranean diet after birth helps prevent type 2 diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes.
Free olive oil and nuts are provided, along with smartphone app support and guidance from a health coach.
Participation lasts until your baby is one year old and involves three hospital visits.
You must be taking insulin or metformin for your pregnancy diabetes and have no nut allergies.
Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point.

Who may be eligible?

This study is designed for women aged 16 and over who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their current pregnancy and are treating it with metformin, insulin, or both. Because the diet includes advice, group chat, and coaching through a smartphone, participants need to use a smartphone and be able to give consent in English.

To keep everyone safe and results clear, some people cannot take part. Anyone with an allergy to nuts cannot join, as eating nuts is a core part of the diet. Women who already had type 1 or type 2 diabetes before getting pregnant are also not eligible.

Additionally, the study is not suitable for women with a very low body mass index (18.5 or under) or a very high body mass index (50 or over), or for anyone taking part in another clinical dietary study during or straight after pregnancy.

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.

I am aged 16 or over and currently pregnant.
I have gestational diabetes and use metformin, insulin, or both.
I do not have a nut allergy.
I did not have type 1 or type 2 diabetes before this pregnancy.
I use a smartphone and can read and understand English.
I am willing to try following a Mediterranean diet until my baby is one year old.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will sign up during the final stages of your pregnancy, but your diet programme will not start until 6 to 13 weeks after your baby is born. You will stay in the study until your baby turns one year old.

You will be asked to attend three hospital appointments: one at 6 to 13 weeks after birth, one at 6 months, and one at 12 months. Most of these fit into normal post-pregnancy check-ups, with only the 6-month appointment being an extra visit. At these visits, the team will check your blood sugar for type 2 diabetes, discuss your eating habits, and see how you are getting on.

Throughout the year, you will receive free deliveries or supplies of olive oil and nuts. You will get one-to-one advice from a health coach (both in person and online) and access to a smartphone app where you can track your goals and chat with other mothers in the study. Some women may also be invited to take part in an interview to share their thoughts on the programme.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you build healthy eating habits that could reduce your long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You will also receive free supplies of nuts and olive oil, personalised support from a health coach, and extra checks on your blood sugar. Because this is a pilot study, researchers cannot yet guarantee medical benefits. There are no expected physical risks, and people with nut allergies are excluded for safety. The main downside is the time required to attend three clinic visits and use the app. Joining is entirely your choice, and you can withdraw at any time without your regular NHS care being affected.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barts Research Centre for Women's Health (BARC)
City only
London, England
Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What exactly is a Mediterranean diet?

It is a way of eating based on traditional Mediterranean foods. It includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, moderate amounts of fish and poultry, and very little processed sugar or red meat.

Will taking part cost me extra money?

No. The researchers supply the olive oil and nuts free of charge to help cover the costs of these key ingredients.

Can I take part if I am breastfeeding?

Yes. A Mediterranean diet is a balanced, nutritious way of eating that is generally considered very safe and healthy while breastfeeding.

What tests will I have during the hospital visits?

The team will check your blood sugar levels to test for type 2 diabetes, check on your general wellbeing, and ask questions about what you have been eating.

What happens if I find it too hard to stick to the diet?

That is completely fine. This study is specifically trying to learn whether the diet is easy or difficult for new mums. You can talk to your coach for advice, and you are free to leave the study whenever you wish.

How to find out more

Zoe Drymoussi

z.drymoussi@qmul.ac.uk 2078826692 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.