GDM-CARE: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Assessment in the Irish Infant Population

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition during pregnancy, affecting around 20% of pregnant women. It happens when the body can't cope with the increased insulin resistance that occurs during pregnancy due to certain hormones produced by the placenta. GDM can lead to various risks for both the mother and the baby, such as pre-eclampsia, infections, and complications during childbirth.

Babies born to mothers with GDM can experience breathing and heart problems early in life, and studies have shown that their heart function may not fully recover even after leaving the hospital. The long-term impact of these heart problems in babies born to mothers with GDM is still uncertain, but it may contribute to obesity and heart-related health issues later in life. With the increasing rate of GDM in Ireland, researchers at RCSI aim to investigate if babies born to mothers with GDM continue to have subtle heart problems up to three years of age and if factors like controlling glucose levels during pregnancy and the duration of breastfeeding can influence these long-term changes.

In October 2023, the RCSI team based at The Rotunda Hospital Dublin welcome a focus group of patients who have experienced GDM to help refine the projects research question to ensure it resonates with their concerns and experiences. Their input will help (i) prioritize research questions that are relevant to the community and align with their priorities; (ii) explore ethical considerations, such as consent processes and privacy protections; (iii) strategies for participant recruitment and engagement and (iv) project dissemination.