Overview
The purpose of the research study is to better understand how beta-cells (cells in the pancreas that make insulin and help regulate blood sugar) respond to growth hormone in people with a personal history of gestational diabetes (high blood sugar in pregnancy) at the University of Missouri. The aim of the study is to advance understanding of how growth hormone affects beta-cells and risk factors for developing gestational diabetes.
Eligibility
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