Determining the Effect of Food Ordering on Blood Glucose In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (DEFI-GDM) - a Randomised Crossover Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the order in which macronutrients are eaten affects blood sugar levels after meals in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aims to understand differences in blood glucose spikes, gut hormone changes, feelings of fullness, and daily energy and nutrient intake based on whether protein and fat are consumed before or after carbohydrates. GDM is a type of glucose intolerance that starts during pregnancy and increases future risks for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Participants will attend two study visits where they will eat a specially prepared breakfast meal consisting of scrambled eggs (protein and fat) and wholemeal toast (carbohydrate) in different orders. The order of eating these components will be randomly assigned, with one visit involving protein/fat before carbohydrates and the other visit reversing this order. Each participant serves as her own control. Meals will be consumed within 10 minutes, and visits will be spaced at least two days apart. During the visits, participants will undergo measurements including height, weight, blood glucose, and blood samples for hormone levels. They will also complete questionnaires on appetite and keep two food diaries. Researchers will monitor changes in post-meal glucose, insulin, gut hormones, satiety scores, and nutrient intake between the two meal sequences. The total study duration per participant includes two visits with a maximum of two weeks between them, allowing comparison of metabolic responses to different food orders.

Determining the Effect of Food Ordering on Blood Glucose In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (DEFI-GDM)