Smartphone Application for the Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Peripartum Management of Gestational Diabetes Using a Digital Healthcare Service: a Pilot, Randomized Controlled Study

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been progressively increasing. It is important to recognize and treat GDM to minimize the risk of maternal and neonatal complications. Multifaceted professional interventions are effective in the management of GDM and mobile healthcare can be an effective approach. The purpose of the current study was to develop and evaluate a model for prevention and management of GDM using mobile healthcare. Subjects with no previous history of diabetes, who were diagnosed with GDM during 24-28 weeks of gestation, were randomly divided into a conventional management group and a mobile management group. The conventional mangement group received conventional GDM management and could freely use the mobile healthcare application. The mobile management group received mobile healthcare services including tailored mobile coaching. The effectiveness of the management using the application were evaluated through the result values of the laboratory tests, anthropometric measurement performed during the study period and perinatal outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton pregnant women diagnosed as GDM at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients after 30th week of gestation and patients with pregestational diabetes were excluded from participating in the study. Patients who were unable to understand Korean, were unfamiliar with mobile phones, who did not have access to a mobile phone, or who were already receiving services from another mobile healthcare agency were also excluded.