The goal of this study is to learn if high-protein drinks during labor can improve blood sugar control in pregnant women with insulin-treated diabetes. It will also help us learn if this approach is acceptable and well-tolerated by patients. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does drinking high-protein beverages during labor keep blood sugar in a healthier range compared to drinking standard clear liquids? * How do participants feel about drinking protein beverages during labor, and does it affect their energy levels and birth experience? * Is the baby less likely to have low blood sugar after birth when the mother drinks protein beverages during labor?
Researchers will compare women who drink high-protein beverages to women who drink standard clear liquids (like juice, broth, and popsicles) to see if protein drinks help keep blood sugar more stable during labor.
Participants will:
* Wear a small, painless glucose sensor on their arm from when labor starts until about one week after giving birth * Be randomly assigned to either drink a clear protein beverage every 4 hours during labor OR drink standard clear liquids as usual * Complete short surveys about how tired they feel during labor, their overall birth experience, and their overall experience with the glucose sensor
Age ≥18 years
Singleton pregnancy
Gestational age ≥37 0/7 weeks at time of induction
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes requiring insulin therapy (GDM A2) or pre-existing Type 2 diabetes managed with insulin during pregnancy
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Multifetal gestation
Major fetal anomalies or conditions affecting neonatal glucose regulation
Stillbirth