This project took place at our London centre which operated between 1995 and 2021.
Why do we need this research?
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy – known as gestational diabetes – can cause health problems for both mother and baby. We know that a woman’s diet is important during pregnancy and that it might have a role to play in gestational diabetes.
In many of the foods we eat, there are small amounts of metals like iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, copper, sodium and potassium. These ‘trace elements’ are important in helping our body function as it should and deficiencies in these metals have been linked with pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and premature birth.
What’s happening in this project?
Most previous studies in pregnancy have explored the role of one metal element on its own. Now researchers funded by Tommy’s want to look at lots of different trace elements together to create a ‘metallo-profile’ for pregnant women.
The team are using blood samples donated by women who took part in a study called UPBEAT. This trial included 1,500 women with obesity who donated blood samples throughout their pregnancy. Our researchers will study in detail the metal trace elements found in blood samples taken early in pregnancy (15–18 weeks). By looking at a range of metal elements, our scientists will be able to create a metallo-profile for the women who later developed diabetes and compare this to the metallo-profile for the women who did not. This could make it easier to diagnose gestational diabetes in the future.
What difference will this project make?
This study will help us to understand more about the role that metal trace elements from food have in the development of gestational diabetes. It is possible that metallo-profiles could be used to diagnose the condition early, or to find new ways of treating it. Ultimately, our scientists hope to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy for mother and baby.
