Research overview
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming more common in Western Australia, with close to one in five pregnancies now affected. For most women, GDM is well managed during pregnancy, and many babies are born healthy.
However, researchers are increasingly interested in understanding whether GDM may have subtle longer‑term effects on mothers and babies, and how these might be addressed safely and appropriately. Recent research suggests that GDM may influence the balance of bacteria in the gut of both mothers and their babies. The gut microbiome plays an important role in digestion, immune development, and overall health, particularly in early life when a baby’s body systems are still developing. Children born to mothers with GDM are known to have a higher risk of health challenges later in life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and learning or behavioural difficulties. These conditions can affect quality of life for families and place a growing strain on the health system. Despite this, babies born after GDM‑affected pregnancies have received limited attention when it comes to early, practical prevention strategies.
Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health, are already widely used in many settings, but their role in infants born after GDM‑affected pregnancies is not well understood. This research focuses on a simple but promising idea: supporting babies’ gut health early in life. The team is exploring whether probiotics, beneficial bacteria already familiar to many, can help restore a healthier gut balance in babies born to mothers with GDM. The early months of life are a unique window of opportunity, when small changes may have lasting benefits.
By generating high‑quality evidence, this work seeks to inform families and healthcare providers, support future research, and guide thoughtful decision‑making about infant care. Ultimately, the goal is to improve understanding of early development following GDM, not to replace existing care or make assumptions about long‑term benefit.
Project researchers
Dr Gayatri Jape
Funders
Women and Infants Research Foundation
Project timeline
2026 – 2027
