November is National Diabetes Awareness month, and Woman’s Hospital is looking for women who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes to participate in our Sweet Study research program. The SWEET Study is investigating whether the FDA-approved drug semaglutide (Ozempic®) can be used to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This study is specifically for women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their pregnancy, not currently breastfeeding, ages 18-45 and are less than 10 years post-partum. The study randomizes participants to receive either Ozempic® or a placebo injection, which is a shot that looks the same but has no drug in it.

Meet Jennifer Ingram who enrolled in the study last year. Excited about participating, she saw it as an opportunity to change her life. Jennifer was compelled to apply out of concern for her daughter who is disabled due to rare genetic disease. She requires around the clock care, and Jennifer worried who would care for her daughter if anything were to ever happen to her. “It was about finding out if this would be able to help me. This was saying if you get the real drug, it may help you lose weight and reduce your risk of heart disease and becoming diabetic. For me it was a no-brainer… I was praying that I got the Ozempic and not the placebo.”

Without changing her daily habits, Jennifer self-administered her injections, and within the first three weeks started noticing her appetite diminishing and the weight melting off. During the eight-month research study Jennifer lost a total of 38 pounds and has been able to keep it off and maintain her current weight. “I feel great, my body image is better, I’m more confident, and knowing that I am healthier was my main goal.”

After receiving a report of good health from her primary care physician, Jennifer was so thrilled with the results she said, “I learned more about my body in the process. It literally changed my life in the sense that I feel healthier, I have more energy and have a more overall positive attitude.”

Not all study participants may see results like Jennifer, but if her story resonates with you, Woman’s is looking for more candidates to enroll in the Sweet Study before the end of January 2025. The application is easy to fill out. If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating, please complete this interest form.