Fueling Labor: Protein Supplementation for Intrapartum Glucose Control

Study Summary

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

Primary Outcome

Percentage of CGM readings exceeding 110 mg/dL during labor, calculated as the proportion of valid CGM readings \>110 mg/dL divided by total valid readings, expressed as a percentage.

Interventions

• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT High-Protein Beverage (Genius Gourmet Sparkling Protein Water)
• OTHER Standard Clear Liquid Diet
• DEVICE Continuous Glucose Monitoring (Abbott Freestyle Libre)