Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Early Phase 1 Interventional Ages 18 to 45 Women only

Using metformin to improve blood vessel function in women after gestational diabetes

Official title: Metformin for the Treatment of Microvascular Dysfunction After Gestational Diabetes

Run by University of Iowa · NCT05917587 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if metformin can help improve blood vessel health in women who had gestational diabetes to reduce their risk of heart problems later on.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Iowa
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 11, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2028
Registry record updatedOctober 28, 2026
Trial IDNCT05917587 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are women who are between 12 weeks and 5 years postpartum and have a history of gestational diabetes.

Probably not a fit

Patients with prediabetes, diabetes, or existing cardiovascular or metabolic diseases may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This investigation aims to explore how metformin can enhance microvascular function in women who have experienced gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with a history of GDM are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and this study seeks to understand the mechanisms behind persistent vascular dysfunction that can occur postpartum. By utilizing a minimally invasive technique to assess blood vessels in the skin, the researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of metformin compared to a placebo in improving vascular health. The findings could pave the way for new strategies to enhance cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cardiovascular health for women with a history of gestational diabetes.

How similar studies have gone: While the association between gestational diabetes and cardiovascular risk is established, this specific approach using metformin for vascular dysfunction is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥12 weeks and ≤5 years postpartum
* history of GDM or healthy pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* prediabetes or diabetes (HbA1c ≥5.7%)
* current tobacco use
* cardiovascular or metabolic disease
* cardiovascular or metabolic medication
* history of hypertension during pregnancy
* current pregnancy

Where it's running

  • University of Iowa
    Iowa City, Iowa, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.