Poster Presentation Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

Investigating the use of a mobile application for remote blood glucose monitoring in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot study in goondiwindi (#68)

Eloise G Wiffen 1 , Harry E Wiffen 1 , Mingshuang Ding 2 , Vidya Nallamad 3
  1. Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland , Herston, QLD, Australia
  2. Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
  3. The University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine, Scarness, QLD, Australia

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is first detected during pregnancy and is associated with maternal and neonatal complications, particularly when suboptimally controlled. Education regarding healthy diet and physical activity, as well as close monitoring of blood glucose levels are crucial components in the management of GDM. Mobile applications (apps) offer an innovative model of care for this condition.

Aim: To investigate the impact of the Net-HealthData mobile app for remote blood glucose monitoring in GDM on rates of maternal and neonatal birth complications, including prematurity, maternal weight gain, foetal macrosomia, caesarean section delivery and extended hospital admission.

Method: An open-label pilot trial was conducted with a prospectively enrolled cohort of women from Goondiwindi hospital diagnosed with GDM on routine screening during their current pregnancy.

Results: The following key findings were obtained:  

  1. On average, women using the app gained slightly less weight throughout their pregnancy.
  2. Rates of emergency and elective caesarean section were reduced with use of the app.
  3. Mean birth weight was slightly lower among infants born to mothers using the app, and fell within the normal, healthy range.
  4. Use of the app did not affect mean gestational age.

Conclusion: Mobile apps offer a promising means of optimising the monitoring and management of GDM in rural and remote communities, with the potential to reduce rates of associated maternal and neonatal complications. However, further research is required to clarify the utility of such interventions in these settings.