# Elucidating the Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

> **NIH NIH K23** · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · 2024 · $190,620

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Dr. Egan is a physician trained in clinical endocrinology and will undertake a four-year mentored research and
career development program in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at Mayo Clinic. She
will complete a master’s degree in Clinical and Translational Science, gain experience in the conduct of in vivo
studies in an obstetric population, acquire new skills in analysis and modeling of human physiological data, and
develop scientific leadership skills and collaborative relationships. These activities will fill current gaps in
knowledge and allow Dr. Egan to become an independent clinical investigator. Dr. Egan will be guided by a team
of prominent researchers with relevant areas of expertise and an excellent track record in mentoring young
faculty. This team will be led by her primary mentor, Dr Adrian Vella, whose research focuses on the
pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GDM is a common pregnancy complication and while the
associated hyperglycemia resolves postpartum, it is a strong risk factor for T2DM. There is little understanding
of maternal β-cell function in early pregnancy, how this may predict GDM in later pregnancy, and what changes
occur postpartum. Dr. Egan’s preliminary data suggest that α-cell function also changes during pregnancy, but
its role in GDM development and postpartum glucose tolerance is unknown. In the proposed in vivo studies, Dr.
Egan will determine the degree of β-cell (Aim 1) and α-cell (Aim 2) dysfunction needed to produce GDM and
examine the islet cell recovery (or lack thereof) that occurs postpartum. Dr. Egan will assess if GDM can be
predicted earlier in pregnancy which would facilitate more timely intervention. She will also identify the residual
defects in glucose metabolism that persist at one year postpartum. Such defects could contribute to the
accelerated progression to T2DM observed in women with GDM (Aim 3). To accomplish these aims, Dr. Egan
will study women during pregnancy and post-partum using state-of-the-art, non-invasive techniques to collect
and examine detailed physiologic data. In keeping with the NIDDK mission, the proposed studies will address
important aspects of diabetes development in women and provide the foundation for a future R01 application
with the goal of developing novel diabetes prevention and treatment approaches.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10893569
- **Project number:** 5K23DK134767-02
- **Recipient organization:** MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Aoife Maria Egan
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $190,620
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10893569

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10893569, Elucidating the Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (5K23DK134767-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10893569. Licensed CC0.

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