Conditions: Diabetes, Gestational
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 114
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
The purpose of this study is to determine whether the study drug metformin is helpful in reducing weight after pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes. This pilot study will provide information on how well women are able to take metformin postpartum, whether metformin increases weight loss, and whether there are any increased risks of side effects to you as a new mother.

Detailed description:
At 24-48 hours after delivery, women who are eligible for participation will be approached and consented to the study. Maternal weight will be measured and 20ml of maternal blood will be obtained to assess glucose control and lipid profile. Women will be counseled regarding diet, exercise and glucose control. Data including maternal demographics, clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes will be collected. At 3 weeks postpartum, a research nurse will contact the subject via telephone call to inquire about adverse or side effects, ability to take the prescribed medication (metformin or placebo), and to answer questions about the study. At 6 weeks postpartum, maternal weight will be measured , blood will be obtained and side effects will be evaluated again. Finally, a satisfaction survey will be completed.

Arms:
arm 1: Compounded placebo arm 2: Compounded metformin as the intervention

Interventions: intervention 1: Metformin intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Subjects will receive metformin 850 mg PO daily for 7 days, then metformin 850mg PO twice a day for the next 5 weeks intervention 2: Subjects will receive a placebo (similar in size, taste, color) once daily for 7 days, then twice daily for the next 5 weeks.

Protocol document: