MyGDM Scotland

1. Trialing universal screening, improved postnatal follow-up (such as postnatal home-testing of HbA1c), and interventions with digital support tools like a GDM app. Now Recruiting! Contact the study team using the link below to find out more about this study and how to join.
2. A pilot and roll-out of a Scotland-wide gestational diabetes audit (independent review) to improve data collection and care quality and outcomes.
3. Embed the voices of women and people who have had experience of gestational diabetes in the research process to ensure inclusion and properly inform the research's design.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the name for diabetes that develops in pregnancy.  It is recommended that all women with GDM have a follow-up blood test, called an HbA1c test, to check that their blood sugars have normalised at around 13 weeks after their baby is born. Currently women with GDM are invited to attend a clinic to have this blood test performed. However, we know that many women struggle to attend these appointments. 

This study is trialling a HbA1c blood test which is taken at home, to see if it improves the number of people who perform HbA1c testing after having a pregnancy affected by GDM. We also hope to gain an understanding of how people feel about doing an at-home test. Results from this small pilot study will help to shape the design of a larger clinical study into home HbA1c testing.

Who is being recruited? 

This study is recruiting participants with gestational diabetes who are having their antenatal care within NHS Lothian. 

What happens if I take part? 

• If you decide to take part the research team will send you a HbA1c blood testing kit in the post to do at home rather than attending an in-person clinic appointment. This kit will need to be returned via a post box (the postage will be pre-paid for you).
• The home blood test involves using a very small handheld needle device to prick your finger (the same as those used to measure your blood sugars during pregnancy). You then collect around 5-6 drops of blood in a small bottle. After taking the blood, you will label it and send it by tracked post back to the laboratory that will analyse it.
• The blood test kit is provided by a third-party company (Forth, a trading name of Humankind Ventures Ltd, www.forthwithlife.co.uk). This company and the labs analysing the samples meet all the necessary standards to process your sample accurately and securely.
• The blood test result will be sent to you by the research team in the post. Your test result will also be sent to your GP. If it is out with normal range the result will be shared with your usual NHS Lothian diabetes team, and they will be in touch to arrange a follow-up appointment.
• You will be asked to complete a short online survey to help the team understand your experience of the home testing kit. If you complete the online survey, you will be contacted with a £15 shopping voucher to thank you for your time. This will mark the end of you participation in the study.

 Contact the study team using the link below to find out more about this study and how to join.