What is the Centre for Obstetric Endocrinology Research and Education (COERE)?
The Centre conducts research spanning the range of obstetric endocrinology including gestational diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy, and lipid disorders in pregnancy. We work closely with colleagues in obstetrics and other disciplines to conduct multidisciplinary research with an emphasis on practice-changing trials.
COERE is led by consultant endocrinologists Dr I-Lynn Lee, Dr Dev Kevat and A/Prof Christopher Yates.
Dr Jessica Deitch is studying different approaches to diagnosing gestational diabetes using a fasting blood glucose test rather than the traditional two hour oral glucose tolerance test.
In partnership with the CSIRO, Dr Rinky Giri is studying the feasibility of remote Bluetooth enabled glucose meters to measure and transmit blood sugar levels from patients to doctors.
Some women develop high levels of triglycerides (a type of lipid or fat) in pregnancy which can be life threatening. Together with interstate colleagues, Dr Nicholas Adams is mapping the relationship between genetic aspects of the condition with the course in pregnancy and management approaches.
Metformin is a medication most often used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Dr Mauli Govinna and Dr Joanna Gong are partnering with other Victorian hospitals to study whether it can be used to improve blood sugar levels in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes as an adjunct to insulin.
Steroid medication (usually betamethasone) is sometimes given in pregnancy to help mature the lungs of the fetus. However, steroids can also raise a mother’s blood sugar levels, particularly in women with diabetes. COERE researchers are part of a research team who are investigating the different effects of steroid medication on pregnancy outcomes for mothers and newborns. The multicentre study is called PRECeDe which stands for Prevention of neonatal Respiratory distress with antenatal corticosteroids before Elective Caesarean section in women with Diabetes.
