Evaluating the Feasibility of using M-Health to Improve Serum Glucose Logs Completion of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can cause adverse outcomes for the mother and fetus due to hyperglycemia. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of improving pregnant women's glucose log completion rates using a Bluetooth enabled glucose monitor and associated mobile health application and to assess their satisfaction with using mobile health technology. Methods: This project utilizes a quasi-experimental pre-post design. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants completed serum glucose logs (SGL). In phase one the participants collected logs for four weeks using their standard glucose meter followed by phase two in which the participant used a provided Bluetooth-enabled glucometer with the iGluco application for four weeks. Eligibility for this study included but was not limited to a diagnosis of GDM, English or Spanish speaking, and ownership of a smartphone capable of running the mobile health application. Data collected included demographic information, serum glucose logs, and a satisfaction survey. Results: Five participants completed the study. The average completion score was 74.82% in phase one and 81.73 in phase two (a difference of 6.91%). The iHealth glucometer was the preferred monitor with overall satisfaction of the diabetes care received. Implications: This study has the potential to help demonstrate the feasibility of improved self-management of GDM and provide the groundwork for future studies. Conclusion: The use of Bluetooth enabled glucose monitors with mobile health applications may translate to a more accurate reflection of the actual meter reading, be more efficient, and more complete