Integrating the Use of Calibration-Free Continuous Monitoring for Pregnancy Glucose Profiling: I-Profile Study

GDM affects 5-10% of pregnant women in Europe, while the prevalence in Asian populations is significantly higher at approximately 15-20%. However, the GDM screening approaches, timing and targeted population still varies greatly in clinical practice all over the world, which makes the prevalence of GDM difficult to compare universally. Since the early days of the 21st century, the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) has been used for constant evaluation of glucose levels by measuring interstitial glucose concentrations. It can potentially improve diabetes care if used carefully with proper understanding of the characteristics of this system.

This is longitudinal, observational and hospital-based study. A total of 500 pregnant women will be recruited with consent form completion after meeting our inclusion criteria. The recruited women will then be randomly assigned to a Blinded and Unblinded CGM device.

All pregnant women aged 21 and above who plan to be followed up throughout pregnancy and intend to deliver at KKH and currently attending KKH for antenatal consultation during their early trimester will be approached by study research personnel, and will be followed up from then onwards. If they agree to take part in the study, consent will be signed at the first trimester clinic visit.

All recruited subjects will be randomized to put on a Blinded or Unblinded CGM device for 14 days from the first trimester (9-13 weeks), 18-23 weeks, 24-31 weeks, and 32-33 weeks. If a pregnant subject is diagnosed with GDM using International association of diabetes and pregnancy study groups (IADPSG) guidelines at KKH at 24-31 weeks gestation, she will be required to wear the sensor continuously until 38 weeks gestation, and will be followed up for another 14 days at the 6-12 weeks postnatal period.

Data will be collected through questionnaires and clinical measurements. The questionnaires include socio-economic factors, medical histories, lifestyle factors, health status, and home environment. Bio-physical measurements will be obtained from anthropometric measurements of participants, human biological materials such as blood, are collected from the participants at their follow-up time points with the I-PROFILE study upon their consent.