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Fueling Labor: Protein Supplementation for Intrapartum Glucose Control
Fueling Labor: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of High-Protein Supplementation During Labor to Improve Glucose Control in Insulin-Treated Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · Women
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Singleton pregnancy * Gestational age ≥37 0/7 weeks at time of induction * Diagnosis of gestational diabetes requiring insulin therapy (GDM A2) or pre-existing Type 2 diabetes managed with insulin during pregnancy * Admission to labor and delivery for induction of labor * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Type 1 diabetes mellitus * Multifetal gestation * Major fetal anomalies or conditions affecting neonatal glucose regulation * Stillbirth * Planned cesarean delivery * Inability to provide consent * Contraindication to oral intake (e.g., NPO status for clinical indication) * Known allergy or intolerance to study materials, including components of the high-protein supplement or CGM device
About the study
The goal of this study is to learn if high-protein drinks during labor can improve blood sugar control in pregnant women with insulin-treated diabetes. It will also help us learn if this approach is acceptable and well-tolerated by patients. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does drinking high-protein beverages during labor keep blood sugar in a healthier range compared to drinking standard clear liquids? * How do participants feel about drinking protein beverages during labor, and does it affect their energy levels and birth experience? * Is the baby less likely to have low blood sugar after birth when the mother drinks protein beverages during labor?
Researchers will compare women who drink high-protein beverages to women who drink standard clear liquids (like juice, broth, and popsicles) to see if protein drinks help keep blood sugar more stable during labor.
Participants will:
* Wear a small, painless glucose sensor on their arm from when labor starts until about one week after giving birth * Be randomly assigned to either drink a clear protein beverage every 4 hours during labor OR drink standard clear liquids as usual * Complete short surveys about how tired they feel during labor, their overall birth experience, and their overall experience with the glucose sensor
What is being tested
- High-Protein Beverage (Genius Gourmet Sparkling Protein Water) (dietary supplement)
- Standard Clear Liquid Diet (other)
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (Abbott Freestyle Libre) (device)
Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin · Participants: 60 · Started: Jul 1, 2026
Contact the study team
- Sukanya Skandarajah · Phone: 4148055337
- Brock Polnaszek, MD · Phone: 4148056624
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07571343
Locations in the U.S.
| Wisconsin | Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Nov 15, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.