Oxidative stress and tiny blood vessels after gestational diabetes
Official title: The role of oxidative stress in reduced microvascular function after gestational diabetes
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11377501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $604,097 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169201-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with a history of gestational diabetes who are otherwise healthy at study entry.
✕Less likely to help
Women without a history of gestational diabetes or those with significant comorbidities may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We will examine how oxidative stress affects the small blood vessels’ ability to respond to insulin and nitric oxide in women who previously had gestational diabetes, using noninvasive assessments and in vivo measurements. The team will test whether NADPH oxidase drives this problem and whether its inhibition can improve vascular function. The research will involve detailed vascular tests, possible biopsies or blood analyses, and careful monitoring over time to relate vascular changes to future risk. If successful, this work could point toward strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes in women after GDM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, findings could lead to preventative approaches to protect heart and metabolic health in women after gestational diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show endothelial and NO-dependent dilation is reduced after GDM and may improve with NADPH oxidase inhibition in early phases; further validation is needed.
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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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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Investigating how oxidative stress affects blood vessel function after gestational diabetes
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.
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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.