Implementation and Evaluation of Gestational Diabetes Management Using Mobile Health Care Service—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 7% of all pregnancies and is associated with increased risk for the development of diabetes. It is important to recognize and treat GDM to minimize the risk of complications to mother and baby. Multifaceted professional interventions are more effective and mobile healthcare can be one of the good approaches. In this study, we aimed to develop and evaluate the model for prevention and management of GDM using mobile healthcare. Methods: A total of 21 subjects with no previous history of diabetes, who were diagnosed with GDM during 24-28 weeks of gestation were randomly divided into conventional management group (CM group, n=10) and mobile management group (MM group, n=11). CM group received conventional GDM management and could use mobile application about healthcare freely. MM group received mobile healthcare service including tailored mobile coaching. Results: Baseline characteristics including HbA1C were not significantly different between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal laboratory findings, fetal status and cesarean section rate between the two groups at the time of delivery. Both groups were satisfied with the gestational diabetes management service. Four patients (CM group, n=2 and MM group, n=2) were diagnosed with diabetes by oral glucose tolerance test that followed 4 to 12 weeks after delivery and there was no significant difference in glycated hemoglobin between the two groups. However, postpartum weight and body fat were significantly lower in the MM group. Conclusions: Mobile healthcare service in patients with GDM showed no significant difference in GDM self-management compared to the conventional management. In addition, it resulted in a significant reduction in maternal weight gain after delivery. Our study showed that mobile healthcare service could be an efficient GDM management tool. Disclosure M. Lee: None. C. Park: None. S. Park: None. D. Lee: None. J. Sung: None.