TARGET
TARGET is a study investigating how gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - diabetes that develops in pregnancy - should be treated.
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a significant health problem affecting one in every 12 pregnant women, or over 5,200 women, in New Zealand annually. GDM has a major, negative impact on maternal and perinatal health with lifelong consequences.
The TARGET study completed recruitment in 2018. More than 1000 mothers and babies at ten sites across New Zealand have taken part. The study aims to understand if the implementation of tighter treatment targets for blood sugar control has differential outcomes for mothers with GDM and their babies, compared to current, less stringent targets. The trial will compare the relative risk of the baby being born large for gestational age, which is strongly associated with early life and later health problems.
The uniquely designed trial will establish if there are true benefits, without harm, to tighter treatment targets. Analysis is currently underway and results are expected late 2019/early 2020.
If you have any questions about the study you can email the research team at target@auckland.ac.nz