Western Sydney University researchers receive more than $2 million for gestational diabetes study
More than $2 million has been awarded to Distinguished Professor David Simmons through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant. Distinguished Professor Simmons will lead a multidisciplinary team to inform gestational diabetes screening, diagnostic and practice policies globally.
The project – Treatment Of early gestational diabetes Mellitus: THe follow-Up of Mothers and Babies future cardio-metabolic risk and neurodevelopment (TOMTHUMB) – was awarded $2,492,610 through the fund.
The team – which includes Associate Professor Kathy Tannous from the School of Business, PhD candidate Rachel Hicks and Dr Mugdha Joglekar from the School of Medicine, and Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Freya MacMillan from the Division of Research, Enterprise and International – seeks to discover whether the early identification of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy reduces the long-term risks of diabetes and obesity in mothers or babies.
Distinguished Professor Simmons said the outcome of this study could have life-changing impacts.
“Treatment of GDM identified in early pregnancy prevents birth complications. This research will build on this knowledge to see if early treatment also reduces long-term risks of diabetes and obesity in mother or baby. We will take metabolic measurements in mothers and offspring over 5-7 years to determine the benefits or harms of treating early GDM.
“We are delighted to receive this funding and look forward to translating our findings into real-world impacts on the lives of women and children,” said Distinguished Professor Simmons.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise & International) Professor Deborah Sweeney, congratulated the team on their funding success.
“We all have a right to live healthily. I congratulate this world class interdisciplinary team of researchers for undertaking this important clinical trial set to have major impacts on the lives of women and children globally,” said Professor Sweeney.
The study will be conducted in partnership with Australian National University, Monash University. Sydney Children's Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney and the Women's and Children's Health Network.
The Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant supports high-quality clinical trials and cohort studies that address important gaps in knowledge, leading to relevant and implementable findings for the benefit of human health.
ENDS
10 May 2024
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.