Understanding the risk of gestational diabetes in Asian Americans
Official title: Elucidating the high and heterogeneous risk of gestational diabetes among Asian Americans: an integrative approach of metabolomics, lifestyles, and social determinants
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11082247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why Asian American women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy compared to other groups, and it aims to find out the biological and social reasons behind this difference to help improve health for these moms-to-be.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2023 |
| Project end | May 5, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $646,220 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018459-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant Asian American women, particularly those with a family history of diabetes or other risk factors for gestational diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of Asian descent or those who are not currently pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the high rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among Asian American women, who are at a significantly higher risk compared to non-Hispanic White women. By utilizing metabolomics, the study aims to explore the biological and social factors contributing to this disparity. The research will analyze data from existing programs in California to identify molecular differences across various Asian subpopulations, which have been underrepresented in health studies. This integrative approach seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of GDM risk, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for pregnant women in these communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of gestational diabetes in Asian American populations, potentially reducing health complications during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on gestational diabetes, this research is novel in its focus on the specific metabolic and social determinants affecting Asian American populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Liwei — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Chen, Liwei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why gestational diabetes risk varies among Asian American pregnant people
This project looks at how metabolism, lifestyle, and social factors relate to gestational diabetes risk in Asian American pregnant people.
-
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.
-
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.
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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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NDPP-MAP: A tailored online-hybrid program to reduce long-term health risks after pregnancy with gestational diabetes
A patient-friendly program adapts a proven diabetes prevention approach to help women who had gestational diabetes lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
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.