Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Gestational Diabetes
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The trial aims to determine if continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) after pregnancy offers a better method for checking blood sugar in those who had gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Typically, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is used, but many find it inconvenient. The trial compares CGM with the standard OGTT and no screening at all. This research could improve follow-up care and future health outcomes for mothers. Ideal participants are 12-16 weeks postpartum and had gestational diabetes in their most recent pregnancy. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to research that could enhance postpartum care and health monitoring.
What prior data suggests that continuous glucose monitoring is safe for postpartum women?
Research shows that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) safely and effectively tracks blood sugar levels. Studies have found that CGM is easier to use than traditional methods and provides more detailed glucose information. This can improve gestational diabetes management and prevent related health issues.
In past studies, pregnant patients using CGM received consistent glucose readings, indicating it is well-tolerated. Although some experts note that more data is still being collected, CGM is generally considered safe for managing glucose levels. Significant reports of serious side effects have not emerged, making it a promising option for those who find other tests difficult.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for gestational diabetes because it offers real-time insights into blood sugar levels, allowing for more precise and timely adjustments to diet and lifestyle. Unlike standard options like the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which provides only a snapshot of glucose levels at a single point in time, CGM tracks glucose levels continuously, offering a comprehensive picture of how levels fluctuate throughout the day. This continuous data can help expectant mothers manage their health more effectively and may improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
What evidence suggests that continuous glucose monitoring is effective for gestational diabetes?
Research has shown that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can benefit women with gestational diabetes. Studies have found that CGM keeps blood sugar levels in the target range more often than traditional methods. It also reduces the risk of having larger-than-normal babies, a common concern with gestational diabetes. Additionally, CGM helps detect high blood sugar levels and reduces nighttime low blood sugar episodes. In this trial, one group will use postpartum CGM to manage blood sugar levels after pregnancy. While more research is needed for some groups, these early findings suggest CGM could effectively manage blood sugar levels postpartum.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Katherine A Sauder, MD
Principal Investigator
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women who are 12-16 weeks postpartum and were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their most recent pregnancy. They must have an order for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in their medical record. Women with pre-gestational diabetes or those who do not speak English cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Postpartum CGM
Participants use continuous glucose monitoring to assess glycemic status postpartum
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for initiation of follow-up care after abnormal results
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Trial Overview
The study is testing the use of a continuous glucose monitoring device, Freestyle LibrePro by Abbott, over a period of 14 days to screen for abnormal blood sugar levels after giving birth in women who had gestational diabetes.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Active Control
Postpartum continuous glucose monitoring
Postpartum oral glucose tolerance test
No postpartum glucose screening
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
Medstar Health Research Institute
Collaborator
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Collaborator
Citations
Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetes Management ...
The ADA has concluded that data are insufficient to recommend CGM for all pregnant individuals with T2D or GDM, and that the decision to use CGM ...
2.
diabetesjournals.org
diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/9/1581/163057/Real-Time-Continuous-Glucose-Monitoring-inReal-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancies ...
We demonstrated a significantly higher %TIR using real-time CGM compared with CBG glucose monitoring among pregnant people with GDM. Studies are ...
Glycaemic control and pregnancy outcomes with real-time ...
rt-CGM use in women with gestational diabetes reduced LGA births, without differences in serious adverse events. The higher-than-expected ...
Continuous glucose monitoring in early gestational diabetes ...
We also found that CGM in pregnant women with GDM may be more effective in detecting hyperglycaemia and reducing nocturnal hypoglycaemia.
Evidence for improved glucose metrics and perinatal ...
Evidence for improved glucose metrics and perinatal outcomes with continuous glucose monitoring compared to self-monitoring in diabetes during pregnancy.
6.
professional.diabetes.org
professional.diabetes.org/sites/dpro/files/2025-06/DexcomClinicalPearls_FINAL.pdfExpert Perspectives on Evolving Evidence on CGM Use in ...
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a method of assessing and monitoring glucose levels that provide real-time data for glucose management.
Continuous glucose monitoring in gestational diabetes ...
Compared with SMBG, CGM is easier for performing and providing more comprehensive glucose data to improve the management of GDM and prevent associated adverse ...
Glucose levels measured with continuous ...
Mean glucose levels and time 63–120 mg/dL (3.5–6.7 mmol/L) remained nearly stable throughout pregnancy and values above 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) were rare.
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