Study monitors blood glucose levels in people with gestational diabetes
A major new study could change how blood glucose is monitored during labour in people with gestational diabetes.
Researchers are investigating if less frequent finger-prick blood testing combined with monitoring of a wider blood glucose range is as safe and effective as the current standard of hourly testing.
The GILD (Glucose Control in Labour with Diabetes) study is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and aims to find out if a ‘more relaxed’ approach can be taken during labour, where blood glucose levels are tested every 2-4 hours, and kept between 4-10mmol/L.
The study is being sponsored by the University of Nottingham and coordinated by the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU).
The study is being run across 37 NHS maternity units in the UK, with 1,630 participants set to be recruited nationwide.
Gestational diabetes affects approximately 8% of pregnant women. Although high blood glucose levels normally resolve after birth, it can impact maternal and infant health.
Close monitoring during labour is therefore important to ensure target levels are maintained, reducing the risk of complications to mother and baby, particularly neonatal hypoglycaemia (or low blood glucose levels).
Picture: The GILD study trial team at Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital, part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (left to right): Shabana Bi, Liz Taylor, Donards Tanedo, Katie Croft
Patients enrolled into the study are randomly assigned to either 'tight' blood glucose monitoring or a 'more relaxed' approach.
All participants are followed up until six weeks after birth. They can also share their views on the monitoring approaches in optional discussions around 12 weeks after birth.
Participants are given the option to wear continuous glucose monitor on the back of their upper arm from 37 weeks of pregnancy.
This automatically records blood glucose levels, although neither the participant nor the clinical team can see the sensor's readings during pregnancy.
The figures will then be used to assess how closely blood glucose levels align with the allocated monitoring strategy.
Picture: The GILD study trial team at Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital, part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (left to right): Dr Hannah Yeeles, Kimberley Clark, Abigail Magro
Jessop Wing Maternity Hospital, part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been confirmed as the UK's top recruiter to the study.
Jessop Wing have enrolled 126 patients into the study since opening as a study site in October 2025.
Kimberley Clark, principal investigator of the study at Jessop Wing and gestational diabetes mellitus midwife, said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in this exciting study which could set a new standard of care for monitoring of blood glucose during labour.
“Studies like this also play a key role in improving maternity care, helping us understand which treatments and interventions are safe, responsive, and most comfortable for women during labour.
“Our success has been down to the fantastic efforts of our diabetes and maternity teams, the excellent research set-up and delivery we have here and all the Jessop Wing participants who have taken part so far.”
Donards Tanedo, senior research charge nurse and research team leader at Jessop Wing, said: “This is a fantastic achievement which reflects the strong partnership between the clinical and research team.
“Our approach has ensured research is part of the maternity care pathway rather than something separate from it, and three key strategies have been integral to our success. This includes creating a dedicated space for research conversations in the antenatal clinic, linking recruitment with existing blood glucose teaching sessions and offering participants the opportunity to take part alongside routine clinical appointments.
“We really hope it makes a big difference to future generations who are the heart of everything we do.”
All patients taking part will continue to have their antenatal blood glucose levels monitored in the usual way in line with the requirements of the clinical team.
More information about the GILD trial
I would like to make a regular donation of
There are lots of ways to raise money to support
people living with all forms of diabetes.
Bake, Swim, Cycle, Fly ... Do It For DRWF!
Fundraise with us
Recent News
