Understanding how growth hormone affects insulin-producing cells in women with gestational diabetes

Growth Hormone Resistance of Beta-cells in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Observational University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06571487

This study looks at how growth hormone affects insulin-producing cells in women who had gestational diabetes compared to those who didn't, to see if it helps us understand their risk for type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06571487 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the response of beta-cells in the pancreas to growth hormone in individuals with a history of gestational diabetes. Conducted at the University of Missouri, the research focuses on understanding the relationship between growth hormone and the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Participants will be categorized into two groups: those with a history of gestational diabetes and a control group without such a history. The study will analyze how these groups differ in their beta-cell function and insulin regulation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include women who have had a singleton, full-term pregnancy within the past five years and have a history of gestational diabetes or are otherwise healthy with specific BMI criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of gestational diabetes and its long-term implications for type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of growth hormone on insulin regulation, this specific focus on beta-cells in the context of gestational diabetes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Singleton, full term pregnancy within the past 5 years
* Body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2 and \<45.0 kg/m2

Group specific inclusion criteria:

* Gestational Diabetes Group: History of gestational diabetes in the most recent pregnancy
* Control Group: no history of gestational diabetes

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study, or breastfeeding
* Current diagnosis or history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
* Use of medications that can impact the study outcomes (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists)
* History of bariatric surgery
* Known, uncontrolled hypothyroidism
* History of intracranial hypertension, including papilledema, or a condition that increases the risk of developing intracranial hypertension, such as Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, or renal impairment
* Current cancer or cancer that has been in remission less than 5 years
* First degree relative with diabetes diagnosis
* Evidence of significant anemia or significant end organ dysfunction (e.g., liver, kidney, heart disease)
* Alcohol use disorder, use of controlled substances, or smoking \>2 cigarettes per day
* Greater than 3% weight loss within three months of screening or engaged in regular (≥3 days per week), continuous moderate- or high-intensity exercise of ≥30 min duration
* Mentally disabled persons, prisoners, and persons with inability to grant voluntary informed consent

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

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 DiabetesObesityHealthy
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.