Interdisciplinary GDM Unit Lausanne

In our unit we conduct numerous research projects to improve the metabolic and mental health across generations, of the women, their partners and their children.

The main focus of our research is on the perinatal period and in particular in pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes (GDM). We attempt to assess the impact of different lifestyles on their health and integrate new technologies to in order to improve the quality of life and health of our patients.

The National Fund for Scientific Research and the Leenaards Foundation support several of our research projects.

Fellowship call

We are currently looking for a PhD student for one of our new projects. Read more about this project 

Learn more about our clinical management (in french)

Improving the management of gestational diabetes

In several cohort studies, we are investigating the impact of our current management of gestational diabetes on mental and metabolic health with the aim to improve clinical care.

Improving metabolic and mental health in women with gestational diabetes and their children

We are investigating this through patient cohorts and a randomized controlled trial that explores the beneficial effects of an interdisciplinary and personalized intervention in gestational diabetes (MySweetheart Trial). The intervention takes into account diet, eating behavior, breastfeeding, physical activity, sleep and the emotional well-being of the women.

Learn more:MySweetheart cohort

Metabolism after childbirth and internal clocks

The disruption of the internal clock rhythm is particularly marked in the first months after delivery. Our aim is to assess whether this disruption can be linked to metabolic disorders.

This study explores the links between internal (circadian) clocks, eating and sleeping patterns and their influence on metabolism in the months following childbirth.

This study is carried out in collaboration with our partners from the University of Geneva.

Prevention of pediatric obesity 

We are conducting several projects that aim to better understand and prevent pediatric obesity using a global approach. These projects are carried out in collaboration with other partners from the Universities of Basel, Fribourg, Geneva and Zurich.

• Splashy Study:
  “SPLASHY”:  the Swiss Preschooler's Health Study, is a national survey on the health of preschool children in Switzerland. The study investigates how stress and physical activity can influence the physical and psychological development of children.
  Read more
• Ballabeina study
  This study is a randomized controlled trial that studies the impact of a multidimensional intervention in migrant populations on the health of pre-schoolers.
• KISS study
  This study is a randomized controlled trial that studies the impact of physical activity on the health of prepubertal schoolchildren.
  Read more

Links between physical activity and diabetes 

• DIAfit study
  Together with other partners in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, we are conducting a study evaluating the impact of a national physical activity program (DIAfit) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Its objective is to allow patients to initiate physical activity under the supervision of a multidisciplinary specialist team.

Collaboration with other projects

• START
• MySweetheart cohort
• ICAD
• NCD
• Tobacco and diabetes

Our findings and discovery