Management of (gestational) diabetes in pregnancy: new insights in predictors, complications, technology, and prevention of the long-term metabolic risk postpartum
Description: Diabetes and gestational diabetes (GDM) are associated with increased risks for pregnancy complications. Women with a history of GDM are also at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). Pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery are at increased risk for fetal growth restriction. Studies are therefore needed to investigate predictors, novel therapies and preventive strategies postpartum in these high risk populations. In this research project, I will therefore investigate predictors (clinical and novel biomarkers) for long-term metabolic risk and adherence to a mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with a history of GDM. Secondly, with a large multicentric RCT we will investigate whether the addition of a GLP-1 agonist (semaglutide) on top of lifestyle measures, can reduce the risk to develop T2D in women with prediabetes after a history of GDM. Thirdly, we will investigate whether the use of glucose sensors can improve pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM. Fourthly, we will investigate the safety and effectiveness of an artificial pancreas during delivery in women with T1D and predictors for glycaemic control in pregnancy. In addition, we will evaluate whether an adapted artificial pancreas (based on the CRISTAL RCT we performed) can further improve glycaemic control in pregnancy. Lastly, we will investigate the association between glucose metabolism and metabolomics with fetal growth restriction in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery.
Funder: Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
Funding type: fellowship
Funder scheme: FWO fundamental clinical research fellowship
Start date: 2024-10-01
End date: 2029-09-30
Investigator: Katrien Fouzia Benhalima
Institution: KULeuven
Funded outputs count: 5
Funder award ID: 1800225N
OpenAlex ID: G411233697