Understanding how social and genetic factors influence gestational diabetes risk
Official title: Social and gene interactions to understand the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10463650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetics and lifestyle choices, like diet and exercise, affect the risk of gestational diabetes in Asian women, with the hope of creating personalized tips to help prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $209,945 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD101778-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10463650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those of Asian descent, who may be at risk for gestational diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not belong to the targeted demographic may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors that contribute to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), particularly in Asian women. By analyzing data from a large cohort of approximately 22,000 pregnant women, the study aims to identify how social support, diet, and physical activity influence the risk of GDM in relation to genetic factors. The goal is to develop personalized lifestyle interventions that could help prevent GDM based on an individual's genetic makeup. This innovative approach seeks to fill a gap in current knowledge regarding the etiology of GDM and its risk factors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to tailored prevention strategies for gestational diabetes, improving health outcomes for pregnant women and their children.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been few studies on the genetic associations with GDM, this research is considered highly innovative as it explores the interactions between genetics and lifestyle factors, which has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surkan, Pamela J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Surkan, Pamela J
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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.