Improving blood sugar control in pregnant women with diabetes receiving corticosteroids

Glycemic Control After Antenatal Corticosteroids in Women with Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes (Close the GAP)

Phase 2 Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04542148

This study is testing different insulin management strategies to see if they can help pregnant women with diabetes better control their blood sugar after receiving corticosteroids.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04542148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of antenatal corticosteroids on glycemic control in women with pregestational and gestational diabetes who are at risk of preterm birth. Eligible participants will be randomized into three groups to receive different insulin management strategies while using a continuous glucose monitor for 10 days. The goal is to optimize maternal blood sugar levels after corticosteroid administration, which is crucial for evaluating neonatal benefits. The study aims to fill a significant gap in existing research regarding the impact of corticosteroids on diabetic pregnancies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-50 with gestational or pregestational type 2 diabetes who are hospitalized for antenatal corticosteroid administration.

Not a fit: Patients who are scheduled for delivery within 72 hours of receiving corticosteroids or have major fetal anomalies will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes for women with diabetes at risk of preterm birth.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been numerous studies on corticosteroids in non-diabetic populations, this approach specifically targeting women with diabetes is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Gestational or pregestational type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with daily insulin injection(s) or oral hypoglycemic agents such as metformin
* Hospitalized for antenatal corticosteroid administration in anticipation of preterm birth
* Gestational age 23 0/7 weeks - 36 5/7 weeks
* Maternal age 18-50

Exclusion Criteria:

* Planned delivery \< 72 hours after 1st dose of antenatal corticosteroids
* More than 16 hours after 1st dose of antenatal corticosteroids
* Major fetal anomaly
* Triplet or higher order multiple gestation

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 3 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 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2Preterm BirthPregnancy, High RiskDiabetes, Gestational
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.