RecruitingInterventional

Glycaemic control in labour with diabetes (GILD Trial)

The GILD study is looking into the best way to manage blood sugar levels during labour for people who have diabetes during pregnancy, often called gestational diabetes. About 9 in 100 pregnant people experience this. Currently, blood sugar is often checked very closely, which can be uncomfortable. This study will compare two approaches: very close monitoring versus a slightly more relaxed one. Researchers want to see which method works best for the mother's experience, the baby's health, and overall outcomes. Your involvement could help healthcare teams understand how to provide the safest and most comfortable care for pregnant people with diabetes in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

1,630

Start

23 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Glycaemic control in labour with diabetes

What is this study about?

When you have diabetes during pregnancy, your body has trouble controlling its blood sugar levels. This is usually called gestational diabetes, and it often goes away after your baby is born. During labour and birth, it's common for doctors and nurses to keep a close eye on your blood sugar to make sure it stays in a healthy range. This is usually done by checking your blood regularly and sometimes giving you insulin if needed.

However, some people find this close monitoring quite frequent and perhaps a bit uncomfortable or disruptive during their labour. Recent research has even suggested that checking blood sugar super strictly might not always be as important as we once thought for keeping the baby healthy. Because of this, doctors are now exploring if there could be a slightly different, more relaxed approach that is just as safe and perhaps more comfortable for you.

The GILD study aims to look closely at these two different approaches – the usual very strict monitoring, and a slightly more relaxed way. By comparing them, the study hopes to find out which method is truly best for both the birthing parent and the baby. The information gathered from this study will help shape how pregnant people with diabetes are cared for during labour in the future.

Key takeaways

The GILD study aims to find the best way to manage blood sugar during labour for people with gestational diabetes.
It compares current tight monitoring with a slightly more relaxed approach.
Your participation could help improve care for many future parents and babies.
You'll be randomly assigned to one of two monitoring groups during labour.
The study runs from October 2024 to January 2028.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join the study if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy. You need to be at least 16 years old, or younger than 16 but able to understand and agree to take part.

To be eligible, you should be expecting just one baby, not twins or more. You also need to be planning to give birth at 37 weeks of pregnancy or later. Finally, you must be able to understand the study information and agree to take part in writing.

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.

Do I have gestational diabetes?
Am I 16 years old or older (or understand consent if younger)?
Am I expecting one baby (not twins or more)?
Am I planning to give birth at 37 weeks pregnant or later?
Can I understand the study information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join the study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. This happens when you come into the hospital to have your baby. One group will have their blood sugar checked every hour, aiming to keep levels between 4 and 7 mmol/L. The other group will have checks every 2 to 4 hours, and the target will be a bit wider, between 4 and 10 mmol/L. If your blood sugar goes outside these targets, you'll get insulin just like in routine care.

The research team will also ask you questions about how you feel about the blood sugar monitoring and your overall birth experience. There are no extra hospital visits or long-term follow-ups after you leave the hospital for the study itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information collected will be very valuable. It will help doctors understand the best way to care for people with gestational diabetes during labour and birth in the future, which could help you in a future pregnancy and many others. Regarding risks, while very close monitoring has been standard, there's a chance around 10 in 100 babies might still have low blood sugar after birth, possibly needing care in a special baby unit. With the 'more relaxed' approach, we think this might be slightly higher, around 15 in 100 babies, but we don't know for sure, which is why we're doing this study. Filling out questionnaires or talking about your experiences might make you feel a little anxious, but these are not physical risks. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (28)

Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospital
City only
Nottingham, England
Calderdale Royal Hospital
City only
Halifax, England
Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Approximate
Chesterfield, England
Jessops Wing
City only
Sheffield, England
Watford General Hospital
Approximate
Watford, England
Princess Anne Hospital
Approximate
Southampton, England
Northwick Park Hospital
Approximate
Harrow, England
Musgrove Park Hospital (taunton)
Approximate
Taunton, England
King George's Hospital
City only
Ilford, England
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Approximate
Brighton, England
Princess Royal Hospital
Unverified
Haywards Heath, England
St Richards Hospital
Unverified
Chichester, England

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 has trouble managing blood sugar levels during this time.

Why is blood sugar monitored during labour?

Monitoring blood sugar during labour helps ensure your levels stay within a healthy range, which is important for both your well-being and your baby's health.

Will I know which group I'm in?

You will be told which group you've been placed in when you come to the hospital to have your baby. This helps ensure everything is managed correctly during your labour.

Is it safe to have less frequent blood sugar checks?

That's exactly what this study aims to find out! While we don't know for certain if it's better or worse than very close monitoring, the study is designed to be as safe as possible while gathering this important information.

Who is paying for this research?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK, which is a major government-funded research organisation.

How to find out more

Samantha Harrison

GILD@nottingham.ac.uk - Official trial record

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