New research to find better ways to screen for gestational diabetes in remote communities

A new Western Australian research project, funded by Diabetes Australia, will help identify new screening techniques to detect gestational diabetes in women in rural and remote communities.

The research, led by Dr Julia Marley from the Rural Clinical School of the University of Western Australia, is one of two new research projects in Western Australia announced by Diabetes Australia today.

“Researchers have found that rates of gestational diabetes in regional and remote communities in Western Australia are two to three times higher than in women living in Perth,” said A/Professor Greg Johnson, CEO of Diabetes Australia.

“Despite the increased risk, fewer women across the region are being screened for gestational diabetes.”

“Gestational diabetes increases the risk of birth complications including premature birth, large or overweight babes and difficulty breathing. On top of this the mother and the baby both have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.”

“Researchers hope an alternative screening method, using glycation products, may be easier to administer and help detect and support more women with gestational diabetes.”

A/Professor Johnson said Diabetes Australia was also supporting research at Curtin University being conducted by Professor Marco Falasca into whether certain molecules found in the gut can be used to improve blood glucose management.

“Diabetes is the single biggest challenge confronting Australia’s health system and research into how we can prevent and manage the condition is critical to meeting the challenges we face,” he said.

The Diabetes Australia Research Program was established in 1987 to support and develop diabetes related research across Australia. The program provides funding towards the prevention, management and cure of all types of diabetes, as well as enabling and fostering young and upcoming researchers in the field of diabetes research.

Each year outstanding research projects are selected through a merit based competitive, peer review process.

WA Research Grants

Professor Marco Falasca, Curtin University: Development of novel GLP-1 releasing agents

Dr Julia Marley, Rural Clinical School of the University of Western Australia: Developing algorithms to improve predicting the development of and screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in rural communities