The Use of Social Media Platform to Continuously Support Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The Acceptability and Feasibility of Using a Social Media Platform to Provide Continuous Support in the Follow-up Management of Gestational Diabetes: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

To assess the efficacy of utilizing a social media platform for dietary and lifestyle management in improving acceptance and blood glucose control in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared to the control group under usual care. Specifically,

i. To measure the participants' acceptability and satisfaction levels of receiving intervention through the social media platform.

ii. To measure the feasibility of using the social media platform to provide GDM support through participants' engagement levels and feedback questionnaire.

iii. To measure the efficacy of using the social media platform to manage emotional responses in women with GDM.

iv. To measure the efficacy of using the social media platform to optimize glycemic control in women with GDM.

Engaging pregnant women with GDM in dietary management over the gestation has been challenging. This pilot trial aims to assess the efficacy of utilizing a social media platform for dietary and lifestyle management in improving acceptance and blood glucose control among patients with GDM, compared to a control group receiving usual care. The study will employ a randomized controlled trial design, with GDM patients from KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) randomly assigned to either the usual care (control; n=40) or to additional support via a dedicated social media platform for a period of 1 month, where a moderator will be available to address patients' queries and share relevant educational resources (intervention; n=40). Outcome measures include acceptance, satisfaction, and engagement levels, emotional well-being as well as the percentage achievement of time-in-range glucose readings for GDM patients. The independent t-test will be used to compare the outcome measures between groups. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and efficacy of incorporating digital platforms into routine dietary counselling practices for improved patient outcomes and enhanced management of GDM.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with GDM as confirmed by the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test during pregnancy
• Age ≥ 21 and ≤ 45 years
• Attended first (baseline) session of GDM diet counselling session
• Able to read and comprehend English
• Have a digital device accessible to social media platform
• Have SingPass access
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• With known Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Have multiple pregnancy