Glycemic checks in pregnancy using A1C to diagnose gestational diabetes
Official title: Glycemic Observation Using A1C for Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11330546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether adjusting A1C, a common blood test, can accurately diagnose gestational diabetes during pregnancy in place of the current test methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $698,315 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD104756-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals around mid-pregnancy who would typically undergo GDM screening.
✕Less likely to help
People outside pregnancy or those not undergoing GDM screening are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Pregnant people are usually screened for gestational diabetes, but the standard test is complicated. This study aims to refine and adapt the A1C blood test to account for pregnancy-specific changes so it can reliably indicate high blood sugar during pregnancy. Researchers will use modeling to correct A1C readings for how pregnancy alters red blood cells and glycemia. The goal is to make screening simpler, potentially reducing the need for lengthy oral glucose tolerance tests. The work will involve longitudinal data from pregnant participants to ensure the adjusted A1C reflects true glycemic status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could screen for gestational diabetes with a simpler blood test, improving comfort and efficiency for expectant mothers.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work showed that A1C alone is unreliable for GDM, but mechanistic adjustments may improve accuracy; this study extends that approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powe, Camille Elise — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Powe, Camille Elise
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A non-invasive MRI study in pregnant people with gestational diabetes and those without will map how placental blood vessels work and relate to baby outcomes.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.