RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Determining the Effect of Food Ordering on Blood Glucose In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (DEFI-GDM)

This study is for pregnant women who have gestational diabetes. Researchers want to see if the order you eat certain parts of a meal affects your blood sugar levels. For example, does eating protein (like scrambled eggs) and fat before carbohydrates (like toast) make a difference compared to eating them the other way around? They will also look at how this changes your appetite and certain hormones in your body. Around 1 in 10 pregnancies in the UK are affected by gestational diabetes, and managing blood sugar is very important. This research aims to find simple, effective dietary approaches that are easier to stick to, which could help improve health for mums and babies.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen's University, Belfast

Enrolment target

Start

11 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

What is this study about?

This research study is looking at how we can help pregnant women who have gestational diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels better. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and it affects about 1 in every 10 pregnancies in the UK. Managing blood sugar is really important to keep both mum and baby healthy, and it can also help reduce the chance of mum developing type 2 diabetes or heart problems later in life.

Usually, the first step to managing gestational diabetes involves making changes to your diet. However, sometimes these changes aren't enough, and women might need to take medicines like metformin or insulin. Doctors and researchers are always looking for new, easy-to-follow ways to help control blood sugar through diet, without needing medication if possible.

This study explores a new idea: could the order in which you eat different types of food in a meal make a difference to your blood sugar? Specifically, the researchers want to see if eating foods rich in protein and fat (like scrambled egg) *before* foods rich in carbohydrates (like wholemeal toast) helps to keep blood sugar more steady after a meal, compared to eating them the other way around.

Key takeaways

Study for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Investigates if eating protein/fat before carbs affects blood sugar.
Involves two short visits for specific meals and blood tests.
Aims to find simpler, diet-based strategies for blood sugar control.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are currently pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. You need to be between 18 and 50 years old to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For instance, if you had type 1 or type 2 diabetes before you got pregnant, or if you have any food allergies that would stop you from eating the study meals. Also, if you’re already taking medication for your gestational diabetes, or if you have severe sickness during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) or are taking anti-sickness medication, you won't be able to participate. If you have any other health issues that would make it difficult to complete the study visits, you might not be suitable either.

It's fine if you've had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. Also, if you're involved in other research studies, you still might be able to join, but this would need to be discussed with the study team.

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 currently pregnant and have gestational diabetes?
Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Are you managing your gestational diabetes through diet, not medication?
Do you have any food allergies that would stop you from eating egg and toast?
Do you have any other serious health conditions that would make study visits difficult?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have two study visits to the Centre for Public Health. There will be at least two days, but no more than two weeks, between these visits. On each visit, the team will measure your weight and height, take some basic information about you, and ask you to fill out some questionnaires about your appetite.

You'll also have blood samples taken and your blood sugar will be measured. For a special breakfast during your visit, you'll be asked to eat scrambled egg (protein/fat) and wholemeal toast (carbohydrate). On one visit, you'll eat the egg first, then the toast. On the other visit, you’ll eat the toast first, then the egg. The order for your first visit will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. You'll also be asked to keep two 1-day food diaries at home. All these measurements and questionnaires help the researchers understand if eating order makes a difference. The total duration of your involvement will be over those two visits and the time in between.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of learning more about your blood sugar responses to different eating patterns, which could potentially help you manage your gestational diabetes better. The risks are generally low, mainly involving the minor discomfort of blood tests. There's also the time commitment for the two visits and filling out diaries. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Centre for Public Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences A
Verified postcode
Belfast, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops for the first time when a woman is pregnant. It means your blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy.

Why is it important to manage blood sugar in pregnancy?

Keeping blood sugar levels healthy during pregnancy is important for both your and your baby's health, and can reduce future health risks for both of you.

What kind of food will I eat during the study visits?

You will be given scrambled egg and wholemeal toast for a special breakfast during your visits. You'll eat them in a different order on each visit.

Will I have to stop taking my usual medication?

If you are already taking medication for your gestational diabetes, you would not be able to participate in this study. This study is for women who are managing their diabetes through diet alone.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not say if you will be paid. You should ask the study team about any compensation or help with travel costs.

How to find out more

Hannah O'Hara, MBBS BSc PhD DFSRH MRCGP

h.ohara@qub.ac.uk +44 (0) 28 9097 6350 Official trial record

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