CompletedInterventional

Improving uptake of screening for type 2 diabetes after a diagnosis of gestational diabetes in pregnancy: is a home blood test the answer?

If you had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), it's important to have a blood test called an HbA1c around 13 weeks after your baby is born. This test checks your blood sugar levels to see if they've returned to normal. It's crucial because women who have had gestational diabetes are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Currently, this test is done at a clinic, but some women find it hard to attend these appointments. This study is exploring if a home blood test kit, sent through the post, could make it easier for women to get this important check and help improve their long-term health. We also want to hear what women think about home testing.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

Start

14 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

23 Oct 2025

Screening for type 2 diabetes in patients with a history of gestational diabetes

What is this study about?

When someone gets diabetes during pregnancy, it's called gestational diabetes. It's really important for women who have had this to get a special blood test called an HbA1c about 13 weeks after their baby is born. This test checks if their blood sugar levels have gone back to normal. This matters a lot because a small number of women might still have high blood sugars, which could mean they have type 2 diabetes or are likely to get it in the future. In fact, women who have had gestational diabetes are ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes at some point in their lives, so they are also advised to have this test once a year.

Right now, women are asked to come into a clinic for this blood test. However, we know that it can be tricky for some women to make these appointments, which means they might miss out on this vital health check. This study is looking into whether sending a home blood test kit in the post could make it much easier for women to get their HbA1c test done after pregnancy.

By taking part, you'll help us understand if home testing is a good way to help more women stay on top of their health. We also want to hear your thoughts and feelings about using a home test kit instead of going to a clinic. Your feedback will help us decide if home tests could be a useful option for other NHS patients in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests a home blood kit for women who had diabetes in pregnancy.
Aims to make follow-up blood sugar checks easier.
Helps to understand if home testing can prevent type 2 diabetes.
Your feedback will shape future NHS care.
Takes place around 13 weeks after your baby is born.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are a woman between 16 and 55 years old and live in the NHS Lothian area. You must also have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your current pregnancy, following NHS Lothian guidelines.

The health team will also check if you are suitable for this follow-up blood test after your baby is born. You should also be able to speak, read, and understand common languages, for which materials can be provided.

You cannot take part if you are under 16 years old, if a medical professional has said you're unable to make decisions for yourself, or if the health team thinks the follow-up blood test isn't right for you. You also cannot participate if you cannot understand the study information.

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 16 and 55 years old?
Do you receive your care from NHS Lothian?
Have you been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during this pregnancy?
Can you understand information in a common language?
Has your healthcare team said you can have a follow-up blood test after birth?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part, around 13 weeks after your baby is born, you'll receive an HbA1c blood test kit in the post to do at home. The kit will include a tiny needle device to gently prick your finger and collect about 5-6 drops of blood into a small bottle. You'll then post this kit back to the lab using a special tracked envelope.

We'll send you one reminder at about 15 weeks after birth if you haven't returned the test. If we still don't receive your home test by 16 weeks, you'll be offered a clinic appointment to have the blood test done in person, just as it's usually done. The home test kit itself comes from a company called Forth, not directly from the NHS, but it meets all the health standards for accurate and safe testing. After your sample is analysed, the research team will post your results to you, and your GP will also receive a copy. You'll also be asked to fill in a quick online survey to share your experience with the home test kit. If your test result shows that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, the NHS Lothian diabetes team will contact you to arrange a follow-up appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

You might find that doing the blood test from home is more convenient for you, but there are no other direct health benefits to taking part in this study. However, the information we gather from this study could help improve how healthcare is offered to patients like you in the future. The home blood test involves a small finger prick, which might cause a tiny, temporary sting, similar to other blood tests. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

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

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France
City only
Lothian, Scotland
Western General Hospital
City only
Lothian, Scotland

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 can't produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs of pregnancy.

Why is this follow-up test important?

It's important because women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This test helps check your blood sugar levels and can spot potential problems early.

Will I have to pay for the home test kit?

No, the home blood test kit and its analysis are provided as part of the study at no cost to you.

What happens if my home test results are not normal?

If your results show blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, the NHS Lothian diabetes team will get in touch to arrange a follow-up appointment for you.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

You can contact Prof. Rebecca Reynolds at r.reynolds@ed.ac.uk for more information.

How to find out more

Rebecca Reynolds

R.Reynolds@ed.ac.uk +44 (0)131 242 6762 Official trial record

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