Investigating how oxidative stress affects blood vessel function after gestational diabetes
Official title: The role of oxidative stress in reduced microvascular function after gestational diabetes
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10874693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress in the body affects the small blood vessels of women who had gestational diabetes, to see if it can help us find ways to keep their hearts and blood sugar levels healthy in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $588,858 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169201-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have had gestational diabetes and are otherwise healthy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced gestational diabetes or those with existing cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how oxidative stress impacts the function of small blood vessels in women who have experienced gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It aims to explore the relationship between oxidative stress and reduced insulin sensitivity in these women, which may contribute to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes later in life. The study will involve examining the role of specific enzymes that produce reactive oxygen species and testing whether inhibiting these enzymes can improve blood vessel function. By identifying the mechanisms involved, the research seeks to inform potential preventive strategies for affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help prevent cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing oxidative stress can improve vascular function, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stanhewicz, Anna — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Stanhewicz, Anna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pancreatic beta cells, oxidative stress, and gestational diabetes
A study is exploring how oxidative stress and changes in pancreatic beta cells during pregnancy may contribute to gestational diabetes and future diabetes risk for both mother and baby.
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Oxidative stress and tiny blood vessels after gestational diabetes
This study looks at why women who had gestational diabetes may have higher risk of heart and diabetes problems, by checking how oxidative stress affects tiny blood vessels.
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Understanding how stress affects small blood vessels after gestational diabetes
This research explores how stress in tiny blood vessels might connect gestational diabetes to a higher chance of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in women.
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Digital twins of the hypothalamus, placenta, and gut to help manage gestational diabetes
A study using computer-based models of a pregnant person’s brain, placenta, and gut to better understand how gestational diabetes develops and how to tailor treatments.
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IGF factors and binding proteins in gestational diabetes and fetal growth
A study in pregnant people looks at how insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins affect gestational diabetes and how a baby grows.
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STRONG group prenatal care to reduce gestational diabetes in American Samoa
A Yale-led program tests a group prenatal care approach to lower gestational diabetes among pregnant Pacific Islander women in American Samoa.
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.