Comparing strict and permissive thresholds for treating gestational diabetes

Strict Versus Permissive Threshold for Initiation of Pharmacotherapy in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) With Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use - A Randomized Control Trial (START 2 Trial)

Not applicable Interventional Thomas Jefferson University · NCT06419803

This study is testing whether treating gestational diabetes with stricter or more relaxed blood sugar targets leads to better health outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment430 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorThomas Jefferson University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Rochester, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06419803 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of different thresholds for initiating and adjusting pharmacotherapy in patients with gestational diabetes (GDM). Participants will be assigned to either a strict threshold group, targeting blood glucose levels between 65-120 mg/dL, or a permissive threshold group, targeting levels between 65-140 mg/dL. The study will assess maternal and neonatal outcomes to determine the most effective approach for managing GDM. By addressing the lack of consensus on treatment thresholds, this research seeks to provide clearer guidelines for clinical practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant individuals diagnosed with gestational diabetes who are literate in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those with pre-existing diabetes, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes by establishing optimal treatment thresholds for gestational diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown benefits from treating gestational diabetes, but this specific head-to-head comparison of treatment thresholds is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Live, non-anomalous fetus
* Literacy in English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic
* Patients are also required to provide consent, demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of the study, and agree to the study protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years at EDD
* pre-existing diabetes or diagnosis of GDM prior to 24 weeks
* multi-fetal gestation
* known major fetal anomaly
* known allergy to insulin
* chronic maternal corticosteroid use
* diagnosis of GDM based on finger sticks alone
* patients who have contraindication to oral glucose tolerance test
* a primary language other than English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gestational DiabetesPregnancy Relatedgestational diabetespregnancyinsulinInitiation of medication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.