The diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the rate of diagnosed cases are increasing worldwide. The health systems and maternity services are forced to restrict in-person care due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health (mHealth) has now emerged as a promising technology for the management of chronic disease, driven by smartphone adoption and increased internet connectivity. A recent study published in Diabetes Therapeutics and Technology investigated the effective use of mHealth platform M♡THer as supportive aid for women with Gestational diabetes.

    The mHealth platform for GDM management was developed incorporating a smartphone application, clinician portal, and secure cloud data storage. The study cohort consisted of forty participants with a first-time diagnosis of GDM and was suggested to use the app during their pregnancy. Inclusion criteria included a confirmed oral glucose tolerance test diagnosis of GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, at least 16 years of age, owning and the ability to use a smart mobile phone, and to speak and understand English. Exclusion criteria included women who had any other type of diabetes, severe comorbidities that would limit participation, or a known history of major psychiatric illness. Analyses were performed on data server logs, service delivery-related data, and deidentified patient data. The use of the app was quantified by frequency and quantity of data uploads. User perceptions were assessed by evaluating responses to survey questionnaires.

Study results revealed that the app users, both clinicians and women with GDM were satisfied with M♡THer, but also expressed some of the technological challenges such as wireless connectivity. The study concluded that M♡THer will provide new avenues to enhance multidisciplinary care of women with GDM more effectively than conventional care methods.

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