US authors summarise the evidence on how online interventions and support groups can help women manage gestational diabetes
Around 50,000 Australians are diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy each year. Managing GDM involves monitoring glucose levels, being physically active, healthy eating and sometimes medication. People with GDM often need additional health professional visits during pregnancy and receive a brief education session. For some, GDM can come as a shock and cause added stress on top of the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy. Some people with gestational diabetes report feeling alone, scared, or stigmatised by others.
Online interventions, e.g., apps, websites and social media, may be a source of support for some people with GDM. In a recent ‘systematic review’ a group of US researchers have explored the role of online support for GDM management.
A systematic review involves: searching the scientific literature to identify relevant studies; assessing their quality and outcomes, and; summarising findings. In this review, researchers found 22 relevant studies. The online resources tested included apps, social media, telehealth appointments, online books, educational videos.
Key findings show the value of online support:
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- most participants with GDM had a positive view of online resources and support.
- telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits.
- online resources can support GDM management, healthy changes to nutrition and physical activity, and increase breastfeeding.
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However, limitations of the online resources include:
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- the information available online is not always accurate, adequate, or relevant.
- uptake of online resources can be relatively low or short-lived.
- health professionals rarely recommend online resources. This may be a missed opportunity to direct people with GDM to credible online information and support.
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When facing health issues, many people look to the internet for information and support. This study highlights that online resources can support GDM management, but more accurate, accessible, and acceptable information is needed. Health professionals can play a role in recommending credible online resources.
To read more of our research about gestational diabetes check out our previous blogs on this topic.
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Reference:
Cheng Z, Hao H, Fotini Tsofliou, Katz MD, Zhang Y. Effects of online support and social media communities on gestational diabetes: A systematic review, International Journal of Medical Informatics, 2023; 180 (105263).
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