Dr.Ling-JunLi - AOCE 2026

My research centers on women’s health, with a particular focus on pregnancy and its intergenerational impacts. I adopt a multidisciplinary and technology-driven approach, integrating MedTech solutions, continuous glucose monitoring, and Omics to better understand and address the complexities of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Guided by a life-course model, my work spans preconception, antenatal, postnatal, and intergenerational phases, underscoring my commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in maternal health research. Asian women exhibit the highest prevalence of GDM, largely due to unique fat distribution and limited pancreatic beta-cell adaptation. Consequently, Asian mothers and their offspring face a heightened and accelerated risk of adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes. My current research investigates novel and precise methods for predicting GDM and its phenotypes among women with abnormal glucose metabolism, with early findings demonstrating promising associations with neonatal outcomes. While caring for women with singleton pregnancies, I also observed an even higher prevalence of GDM in twin pregnancies. Applying existing singleton-based guidelines to twins risks overdiagnosis, inefficient resource use, and treatment-related complications. By mapping the pathophysiology of GDM in both singleton and twin pregnancies among Asian populations, my goal is to develop more refined, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic and management models to reduce intergenerational health risks. A hallmark of my research career has been securing competitive funding, including the Clinician-Scientist Award–Investigator (2021), NMRC Research Training Fellowship (2016), CS-Transition Award (2014), and CS-New Investigator Grant (2013). These achievements highlight my capacity as an independent principal investigator and the scientific merit of my proposals. To date, I have published over 100 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals such as BMJ, Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature Food, Ophthalmology, Diabetes Care, eClinicalMedicine, eBioMedicine, BMC Medicine, JAMA Network Open, and Hypertension. My record includes 13 systematic reviews and more than 40 original publications as first, corresponding or senior author. Collectively, my work reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence and impact in women’s health research. The core of my scientific contributions lies in applying multidisciplinary perspectives, epidemiological tools, and medical technology to pregnancy complications, particularly GDM, and their intergenerational consequences. By embracing precision and personalized approaches, my research aims to improve women’s health outcomes across the lifespan and reduce the burden of adverse health trajectories in future generations.

20 MARCH

Time	Session

13:50 15:20	[Symposium] Diabetes Mellitus (2) Gestational Diabetes in Asian Countries Application of CGM in GDM During and After Pregnancy Ling-Jun LiSingapore Speaker Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring Ready for Screening and Monitoring of Gestational Diabetes in Asian Populations?Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is highly prevalent across Asia, where genetic susceptibility, rapid urbanization, and uneven access to antenatal care contribute to rising maternal and neonatal complications. Current screening and monitoring rely on oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), but both have limitations, including sparse capture of glycaemic variability, patient burden, and missed postprandial excursions. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides near real-time glucose profiles that can support more responsive management, and emerging studies suggest that early-pregnancy CGM metrics may help predict GDM diagnosed later in pregnancy. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous, with variation in diagnostic criteria, population characteristics, device type, adherence, and background care pathways. Given Asia’s high and growing GDM burden, region-specific evidence is needed to inform guideline and policy development. This talk will synthesize findings from Asian studies, with a particular focus on work from Singapore, and discuss what is required for CGM to move from promising tool to routine practice in GDM screening and management in Asian populations. Characteristics and Management of Gestational Diabetes in Japan Hirohito SoneJapan Speaker The Impact of Underweight in Young Women on GDM and the Next Generation In Japan and some neighboring East Asian countries, it is somewhat surprising given their socio-economic level that underweight, rather than obesity, is a significant health issue for young women. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, the proportion of underweight women in their 20s (BMI < 18.5) has remained above 20% for decades. Despite this, many young women overestimate their own body size, with numerous individuals attempting to lose weight even though they are actually within the normal range. This reveals a discrepancy between perceived and actual body size, alongside the existence of a desire to be thin. The ideal thin body shape is influenced by social trends and traditional values that posit thinness as more attractive, as well as the influence of mass media and social media. Entertainers and fashion models are often seen as being too thin. The health effects of being underweight in young women are known to include increased osteoporosis and mortality, but adverse effects on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes have also been observed. Underweight women have a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a higher rate of low birth weight, and a lower birth rate compared to women of normal weight. Indeed, in Japan, the rate of low birth weight infants has been increasing in parallel with the proportion of thin women. Recent findings from DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) and fetal programming research have revealed that low birth weight infants face a higher future risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Consequently, maternal underweight before pregnancy and weight-control behaviors after pregnancy likely have adverse health effects on future generations. Based on this background, Japan has revised the standards for appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, and discussions are currently underway regarding GDM pregnant women. Furthermore, as part of preconception care, education on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and body image is being promoted, starting from junior high and high school. The trend toward underweight among young Japanese women, even during pregnancy, is a major national health issue, as it affects not only the health of the women themselves but also the next generation. However, its causes are complex, and multifaceted measures involving society as a whole are required. These countermeasures are also expected to be useful for prevention of same issues in other East Asian countries as well in the future. Gestational Diabetes and Perinatal Outcomes in A Large Multi-Ethnic Australian Population I-Lynn LeeAustralia Speaker Gestational Diabetes and Perinatal Outcomes in A Large Multi-Ethnic Australian PopulationGestational diabetes (GDM) is highly prevalent in a multi-ethnic Australian population in West Melbourne with high representation from South Asian, South East/Central Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Pacific communities. These ethnicities carry a disproportionate higher risk of GDM with earlier diagnosis in pregnancy. Australia adoped the IADPSG screening method in 2015 for which GDM prevalence rose sharply there after accompanied by rising rates of maternal obesity and changes in migration patterns from high risk ethnicities. GDM education is delivered in a group setting and sometimes individualised for culturally and liguistically diverse women. Dietary advice is also delivered in a culturally specific and sensitive manner. Treatment initiation differed with South Asian women requiring pharmacotherapy earlier and insulin use was highest among Middle Eastern women. A smartphone and internet based interactive glucose management system for managing women with GDM is being trialled with an aim to improve efficiency of care delivery. Despite rising GDM prevalence and maternal obesity, the large for gestational age remains unchanged over time. Maternal BMI remains a dominant risk factor for LGA. Induction of labour rates also rose significantly over the last 10 years. It is important to develop multilingual education resources and delivering culturally adapted nutritional counselling is essential to optimising care for women with GDM living in Melbourne's rapidly growing cultural diverse metropolitan communities. 102

Time

Session

13:50

15:20

[Symposium] Diabetes Mellitus (2)

Gestational Diabetes in Asian Countries

Application of CGM in GDM During and After Pregnancy

Ling-Jun LiSingapore Speaker Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring Ready for Screening and Monitoring of Gestational Diabetes in Asian Populations?Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is highly prevalent across Asia, where genetic susceptibility, rapid urbanization, and uneven access to antenatal care contribute to rising maternal and neonatal complications. Current screening and monitoring rely on oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), but both have limitations, including sparse capture of glycaemic variability, patient burden, and missed postprandial excursions. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides near real-time glucose profiles that can support more responsive management, and emerging studies suggest that early-pregnancy CGM metrics may help predict GDM diagnosed later in pregnancy. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous, with variation in diagnostic criteria, population characteristics, device type, adherence, and background care pathways. Given Asia’s high and growing GDM burden, region-specific evidence is needed to inform guideline and policy development. This talk will synthesize findings from Asian studies, with a particular focus on work from Singapore, and discuss what is required for CGM to move from promising tool to routine practice in GDM screening and management in Asian populations.
Characteristics and Management of Gestational Diabetes in Japan

Hirohito SoneJapan Speaker The Impact of Underweight in Young Women on GDM and the Next Generation In Japan and some neighboring East Asian countries, it is somewhat surprising given their socio-economic level that underweight, rather than obesity, is a significant health issue for young women. According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, the proportion of underweight women in their 20s (BMI < 18.5) has remained above 20% for decades. Despite this, many young women overestimate their own body size, with numerous individuals attempting to lose weight even though they are actually within the normal range. This reveals a discrepancy between perceived and actual body size, alongside the existence of a desire to be thin. The ideal thin body shape is influenced by social trends and traditional values that posit thinness as more attractive, as well as the influence of mass media and social media. Entertainers and fashion models are often seen as being too thin. The health effects of being underweight in young women are known to include increased osteoporosis and mortality, but adverse effects on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes have also been observed. Underweight women have a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a higher rate of low birth weight, and a lower birth rate compared to women of normal weight. Indeed, in Japan, the rate of low birth weight infants has been increasing in parallel with the proportion of thin women. Recent findings from DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) and fetal programming research have revealed that low birth weight infants face a higher future risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Consequently, maternal underweight before pregnancy and weight-control behaviors after pregnancy likely have adverse health effects on future generations. Based on this background, Japan has revised the standards for appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, and discussions are currently underway regarding GDM pregnant women. Furthermore, as part of preconception care, education on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and body image is being promoted, starting from junior high and high school. The trend toward underweight among young Japanese women, even during pregnancy, is a major national health issue, as it affects not only the health of the women themselves but also the next generation. However, its causes are complex, and multifaceted measures involving society as a whole are required. These countermeasures are also expected to be useful for prevention of same issues in other East Asian countries as well in the future.
Gestational Diabetes and Perinatal Outcomes in A Large Multi-Ethnic Australian Population

I-Lynn LeeAustralia Speaker Gestational Diabetes and Perinatal Outcomes in A Large Multi-Ethnic Australian PopulationGestational diabetes (GDM) is highly prevalent in a multi-ethnic Australian population in West Melbourne with high representation from South Asian, South East/Central Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Pacific communities. These ethnicities carry a disproportionate higher risk of GDM with earlier diagnosis in pregnancy. Australia adoped the IADPSG screening method in 2015 for which GDM prevalence rose sharply there after accompanied by rising rates of maternal obesity and changes in migration patterns from high risk ethnicities. GDM education is delivered in a group setting and sometimes individualised for culturally and liguistically diverse women. Dietary advice is also delivered in a culturally specific and sensitive manner. Treatment initiation differed with South Asian women requiring pharmacotherapy earlier and insulin use was highest among Middle Eastern women. A smartphone and internet based interactive glucose management system for managing women with GDM is being trialled with an aim to improve efficiency of care delivery. Despite rising GDM prevalence and maternal obesity, the large for gestational age remains unchanged over time. Maternal BMI remains a dominant risk factor for LGA. Induction of labour rates also rose significantly over the last 10 years. It is important to develop multilingual education resources and delivering culturally adapted nutritional counselling is essential to optimising care for women with GDM living in Melbourne's rapidly growing cultural diverse metropolitan communities.

102

Dr.Ling-JunLi Singapore

20 MARCH