Using Digital Tools for Gestational Diabetes Management
Molly E. Waring, PhD, FSBM - University of Connecticut; Jennifer Mandelbaum, PhD, MPH - Tufts University; Jean W. Davis, PhD, DNP, EdD, FNAP - University of Central Florida; Tony Ma, MS - Benten Technologies; Sarah I. Feinberg - Tufts University; Susan D. Brown, PhD, FSBM - University of California, Davis
Research Transparency Disclosures: Dr. Waring collaborates with MLC Nutrition - Dr. Mandelbaum is employed by athenahealth - Dr. Ma is employed by Benten Technologies
Were you recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM)? Do you have a million questions about what to do next? You’re not alone! GDM is common, affecting about 1 in every 12 pregnancies in the US. Many people newly diagnosed with GDM feel overwhelmed and wonder about how GDM will impact their baby, and how to manage their own health during pregnancy.
Digital Tools to Help with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) Management
Fortunately, there are now many digital tools that can make managing gestational diabetes easier. These tools can help you stay on track with healthy eating, staying active, and checking your blood glucose regularly. Most importantly, work with your prenatal care team, including dietitians, diabetes educators, and nurses who have experience treating GDM. The tips for using digital tools below are meant to supplement (not replace!) support from your prenatal care team.
Your Electronic Health Record
Many medical practices and hospitals have electronic medical records that allow patients to see test results, find educational materials, refill prescriptions.
Have a quick question for your prenatal care provider, dietitian, or diabetes educator? You may be able to send a secure message through your patient portal. Longer questions, however, may require you to visit the office.
Online Gestational Diabetes Communities
Connecting with other pregnant people with GDM can be a great source of support, information, and practical tips. Joining a community online (or an in-person support group) can help you feel less alone.
However, if you find that a community or social media feed includes a lot of advice that conflicts with information from your prenatal care team, or includes a lot of negativity, feel free to move on. Websites, blogs, and podcasts can also be great sources of information and stories from people with GDM. For example, the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Food Hub has blog posts, recipes, and meal plans.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
CGMs measure your glucose levels through a sensor attached to your body, then send information to your phone so that you can monitor your blood glucose 24/7. That makes it easier (with way fewer finger sticks!) to tell if your blood sugar is too high or too low.
CGMs can also help you understand how your sugar levels vary with your diet and activity. Insurance coverage for CGMs varies, so talk to your prenatal care team to learn what’s covered by your insurance plan.
Mobile Apps for GDM Management
Many gestational diabetes apps offer personalized tools for self-management (such as tracking blood glucose, diet, or activity). Some apps also offer ways to communicate with coaches or other users (such as live chats or messaging). Your prenatal care team may be able to recommend a particular health app, or check out these tips for choosing one.
Fitness Trackers
As you build up to the recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, keep track automatically with a fitness tracker. Learn at a glance how active you’ve been —whether you walk, dance, or even swim (depending on the tracker).
Some fitness trackers vibrate to remind you to move if you’ve been sitting too long. This can help control your blood sugar and help you feel better. If you’re new to using a fitness tracker, check out these tips for getting the most out of your fitness tracker.
Reminders or Calendar Alerts
Finally, plan ahead for what happens after delivery. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with GDM take an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) within 4-12 weeks after delivery. This test can help you and your healthcare provider decide on the best next steps to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Consider setting a reminder on your phone or calendar to follow up with your prenatal care team or primary care provider, and take the test when it’s the right time.
Along with regular communication with your prenatal care team, these digital tools can help you eat well, be physically active, keep an eye on your blood sugar, and have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Learn more about tips for a healthy pregnancy in our related blogs below.
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