Understanding how maternal stress affects blood sugar during pregnancy

Maternal Stress and Blood Sugar Metabolization During Pregnancy

Sanford Health · NCT05798377

This study looks at how stress and mental health during pregnancy affect blood sugar levels to see if it can help prevent gestational diabetes in women.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorSanford Health (other)
Locations1 site (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Trial IDNCT05798377 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between maternal mental health, stress, and glucose metabolization during pregnancy, particularly focusing on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). By utilizing both retrospective and prospective approaches, the study aims to identify how these factors contribute to GDM and its associated racial disparities. The researchers hypothesize that stress moderates the impact of mental health on glucose metabolism, which may help in identifying at-risk women and improving preventative care options. The findings could lead to better management of GDM and reduced complications for mothers and their children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women aged 18 and older, who are less than 17 weeks into a healthy single baby pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of diabetes, gestational diabetes, cardiac disease, endocrine disease, or those who have undergone in-vitro fertilization may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the identification and treatment of women at risk for gestational diabetes, ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated that mental health and stress can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old
* Less than 17 weeks
* Healthy single baby pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of diabetes
* History of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
* History of cardiac disease
* History of endocrine disease
* Assistive reproductive technology (in-vitro fertilization)

Where this trial is running

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pregnancy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.