Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects a significant number of pregnant people in Australia every year. It can increase the risk of complications for both parent and baby, and not everyone has access to the support and nutrition needed to reduce this risk.

This research study explores whether providing weekly healthy food boxes and dietitian support can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnancy. The study is being conducted by The George Institute for Global Health and is open to people who are less than 20 weeks pregnant, living in Greater Sydney, and planning to give birth in a participating public hospital.

Fuel your pregnancy with support that matters. Join now to potentially receive free food, expert advice, and help improve outcomes for others, too. Sign up today!

• All participants will receive a total of $350 in grocery vouchers and a free set of digital body weight scales to use and keep.
• Participants will have a 50% chance of receiving weekly healthy food boxes and up to three consultations with a qualified dietitian – all at no cost.
• Participants will be helping researchers learn how food-based programs may support healthier pregnancies in the future.

• You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including risks, and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time. This will not impact your relationship with your health care team or the quality of care you receive.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.

Eligible:

• Less than 20 weeks pregnant with one baby
• Planning to give birth at Canterbury, Nepean, or St George public hospitals
• Planning to stay in the greater Sydney region for the remainder of the pregnancy
• Experiencing inadequate or inconsistent access to nutritious foods
• Must have at least one risk factor for gestational diabetes (e.g., high BMI, age ≥40, family history of diabetes, certain ethnic backgrounds, previous large baby, PCOS, etc.)
• Must be able and willing to participate in the study procedures until you have given birth

Ineligible:

• Has pre-pregnancy type 1 or 2 diabetes or medical conditions that may prevent participation (e.g., advanced kidney/liver/heart disease, active cancer, recent psychiatric inpatient stay)
• Planning to terminate the pregnancy
• Lives in a facility that provides meals
• Does not have access to a refrigerator at home
• Has severe food allergies or follows a highly restrictive/medically prescribed diet
• Is participating in another lifestyle modification research study
• Someone else in their household is already enrolled in this study

• Participants will receive a body weight scale to collect weight and complete finger-prick blood tests at the antenatal clinic on three occasions over the duration of their pregnancy
• Participants will be asked for their demographic information, such as age and gender.
• Participants will be asked to self-report their sense of well-being and feelings of stress, current medication use, food/nutrition security, and diet quality on three occasions over the duration of their pregnancy.

The George Institute for Global Health
The George Institute for Global Health is a leading independent global medical research institute with major centres in Australia, China, India, and the UK, and an international network of experts and collaborators. The George Institute for Global Health has a mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide, particularly those living in disadvantaged circumstances, by challenging the status quo and using innovative approaches to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases and injuries.

This research study is taking place at the hospital sites listed below. If you would like to participate, please see which hospital is closest to you.

Canterbury Hospital
575 Canterbury Rd, Campsie, NSW 2194

St George Public Hospital
Gray Street, Kogarah NSW 2217

Nepean Hospital
Somerset Street, Kingswood NSW 2747