A scoping review of Effectiveness of Mobile health application intervention in Gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy outcomes

Background Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a form of glucose intolerance that is first recognized during pregnancy. It affects 7–18% of pregnancies worldwide and is associated with adverse maternal and foetal outcomes including preeclampsia, caesarean delivery, macrosomia etc. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools for the management of GDM, enabling remote monitoring, education, and communication. Hence the present study to explore effectiveness of mHealth interventions for GDM on pregnancy outcomes from the available literature. Methodology: The scoping review was conducted following a systematic search for studies using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science databases in last 5 years [2019–2024], which investigated an mHealth app intervention for GDM mother and reported maternal or foetal outcomes. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included. Results A total of 7 studies were included for review of which three randomized trials and four observational studies. The types of mHealth interventions varied widely, including mobile applications, SMS-based platforms, wearable devices, and teleconsultation systems. A RCT study (China-2019) reported a nurse-guided smartphone app significantly improved glucose control and reduced weight gain in GDM patients compared to usual care. Another trial (Slovenia-2023) showed that a comprehensive telemedicine program led to better postprandial glucose control and fewer caesarean deliveries. A Swiss trial (MySweetheart trial-2024) combining app-based and telehealth coaching reduced gestational weight gain. Conclusion The study revealed that app-based intervention as mHealth showed potential to support glucose monitoring, weight management, improvement in pregnancy outcomes and patient engagement in GDM.