Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that can arise during pregnancy, posing risks to both the mother and the fetus/baby. This condition is characterized by high blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy and typically resolve after delivery. GDM can lead to complications such as macrosomia (large birth weight) and low blood sugar in the baby. In addition, mothers with GDM are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The exact causes of GDM are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy that affect insulin sensitivity.
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is collaborating with researchers around the country to learn more about how to best test and treat GDM. Our current research includes the NIH-funded study, Glycemic Observation and Metabolic Outcomes in Mothers and Offspring (GO MOMs) study which is testing new ways to detect GDM. We are also recruiting for the DECIDE study, which is comparing the effectiveness of metformin and insulin for treatment of GDM. We have also been studying how environmental exposures impacts glucose levels in pregnancy. In addition to these large, multi-center studies, we continue to publish studies using data from completed trials or databases to learn more about diabetes in pregnancy.