Kolling Institute investigators are launching exciting research to transform pregnancy care in Australia through early identification and treatment of gestational diabetes, improving outcomes across two generations.
The research has been made possible by generous funding from the prestigious Balnaves Foundation, which says it is proud to partner with the Kolling’s Professor Sarah Glastras to improve health outcomes for both mother and baby.
The University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital will also be key collaborators.
One in six Australian women find their pregnancy journey disrupted by a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus – a condition with serious risks including birth trauma, low blood sugar in newborns, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.
It is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia, and contributes to a cycle of chronic disease.
Building upon existing research, Professor Glastras and her team will build, test and refine a risk prediction model to identify women most at risk and offer access to a tailored lifestyle intervention program.
The model will use a simple blood test to spot early signs of gestational diabetes and then intervene before symptoms appear.
Professor Glastras said this approach will deliver better health outcomes for mothers, such as increased muscle, steady blood sugar levels and reduced neonatal stress, while also reducing anxiety and improving engagement.
“Intervention at this critical stage in the lifespan will help lower rates of childhood obesity, improve maternal mental health, and prevent chronic health conditions in the next generation,” she said.
“Importantly, it will reduce the risk of women and their babies developing type 2 diabetes.
“Women identified as high-risk will not simply receive a diagnosis, through this project they will gain access to a tailored lifestyle program, shaped by multi-disciplinary care and cultural responsiveness.
“The personalised support will help mothers stay healthy and give their babies the best start in life.
“The program has the potential to lay the foundation for a new national standard in antenatal care.
“We are very grateful for the philanthropic support from the Balnaves Foundation and we look forward to capturing more women with this condition and making life-long improvements to their health, and the health of their baby.”
