GDm‐Health Plus: Development of a remote behavioural lifestyle management system for women with gestational diabetes

Abstract

Aim: Preventing hyperglycaemia and excessive gestational weight gain through diet and physical activity are central to the management of women with gestational diabetes (GDM), although lifestyle change can be challenging. A remote digital blood glucose management system for women with GDM (GDm‐health) has been evaluated previously, and the aim of this project was to test the feasibility of using this platform to support behavioural lifestyle change. Methods: Women already using GDm‐health, were offered voluntary participation in a service development project using a lifestyle app (GDm‐health Plus). Women were asked to perform glucose monitoring, weekly self‐weighing, carbohydrate counting and physical activity monitoring. Real‐time feedback was given by specialist dietitians and midwives. Quantitative evaluation assessed system usage, and qualitative analysis used a validated questionnaire (OMDTSQ) Results: Eighteen women took part. Mean (SD), age 33.4 (5.0) years, weight 92.4 (27.1) kg. GDm‐health Plus was introduced at mean 31.4 (4.8) weeks gestation, with mean usage of 7.3 weeks. At least 12 times weekly, 11/18 (61%) tested blood glucose, 15/18 (83%) recorded at least one weight but only 7/18 (39%) recorded weight more than once, 14/18 (78%) instigated carbohydrate counting and 16/18 (89%) recorded physical activity. Thirteen (72%) out of 18 completed the satisfaction questionnaire and scores ranged from 3.7/4 (testing blood glucose) to 2.2/4 (feedback about weight). Conclusion: In this small cohort of women with GDM, interaction with an enhanced app to monitor key behaviours was high, with the exception of self‐weighing. Further evaluation of the efficacy of enhanced diet and physical activity support using digital health to address weight management is warranted.