Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Is Fat in the Liver a Marker of Post-Pregnancy Glycaemic Deterioration in Women With Gestational Diabetes?

This study aims to understand if having fat in the liver (a condition called NAFLD) affects how well a woman's body handles sugar after she's had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. We use routine ultrasound scans and special MRI scans to look for NAFLD. We're interested in how NAFLD might relate to changes in blood sugar levels and how the body uses insulin in the period after giving birth. This research isn't trying to predict if someone will get Type 2 diabetes, but rather to see if NAFLD signals an early worsening of blood sugar control. This information is important because knowing about these early changes can help healthcare professionals provide better advice and support for a healthy lifestyle, which can help prevent further health problems.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Enrolment target

189

Start

05 May 2019

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2026

Gestational Diabetes

What is this study about?

This study is focusing on women who have had gestational diabetes – a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. We're particularly interested in whether finding extra fat in the liver, a condition known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), can tell us something important about a woman's health after pregnancy.

Our main goal is to see if NAFLD, which can be spotted during routine ultrasound scans, means there will be changes in how well the body manages sugar levels in the months after giving birth. We're also looking at how NAFLD might be connected to how effectively the body uses insulin, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar.

While we're not trying to find out if NAFLD directly leads to Type 2 diabetes down the line (that would need a much longer study), we *are* trying to understand if it's an early sign that blood sugar control is getting worse. This is really important because if we can identify women who are at higher risk of these changes early on, their doctors can give them tailored advice and support to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. These choices are known to be very effective in preventing further health issues, including the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Key takeaways

Researches the link between liver fat (NAFLD) and blood sugar changes after gestational diabetes.
Uses routine ultrasound and MRI scans to gather information.
Aims to identify early signs of worsening blood sugar control, not to diagnose future Type 2 diabetes.
Findings could help healthcare providers offer better support and advice for a healthy lifestyle.
Participation involves an MRI scan and blood tests after pregnancy.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are aged 18 or older.

You must be pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes using a specific blood sugar test called an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).

However, you won't be able to join if you had Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes before you got pregnant, or if you have any existing liver conditions, including liver disease caused by alcohol. Also, if you can't or don't want to give your consent to be part of the study, or if you have any health reasons that mean you can't have an MRI scan, you wouldn't be able to participate.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you currently pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes?
Do you have any pre-existing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes?
Do you have any existing liver conditions?
Are you able to have an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would have an MRI scan after your pregnancy. This scan is a special type of imaging that helps us look for fat in the liver. You would also have some blood tests to check your blood sugar levels and how your body uses insulin. The study doesn't involve taking any new medications. We would also use information from your routine ultrasound scans that you have during pregnancy. The total duration of your active participation, including the scan and tests, would be arranged after your baby is born.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but the information we gather could help future women with gestational diabetes by improving our understanding of their health needs. There are no known serious risks associated with an MRI scan, though some people find them noisy or restrictive. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care. All your personal data will be kept confidential.

Locations (1)

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

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

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 blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy.

What is NAFLD?

NAFLD stands for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. It's when there's too much fat in the liver, not caused by drinking alcohol.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications.

Does this study predict if I will get Type 2 diabetes?

No, this study is not designed to predict if you will get Type 2 diabetes in the future. It's looking for early changes in blood sugar control after pregnancy.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body, without using X-rays.