Oral Presentation International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups 2022 - Hosted by ADIPS

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Text-Messaging to Improve Lifestyle following Gestational Diabetes: Smart Mums with Smart Phones 2 (#59)

N Wah Cheung 1 , David Simmons 2 , Mark Mclean 3 , Simone Marschner 4 , Aravinda Thiagalingam 5 , Dharmintra Pasupathy 6 , Ben Smith 7 , Vicki Flood 8 , Suja Padmanabhan 1 , Sarah Melov 6 , Cellina Ching 1 , Clara Chow 4
  1. Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  2. Western Sydney University, Sydney
  3. Dept of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Blacktown Hospital, Sydney
  4. Westmead Applied Research Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney
  5. Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
  6. Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney
  7. School of Public Health, Westmead Hospital, Sydney
  8. University of Sydney, Sydney

Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) are at high risk for the development of diabetes later in life. There is evidence that intensive lifestyle interventions can reduce this risk. However these are not practical for many women and health systems have not been willing to fund such interventions. Hence they have not been translated into routine care. Text messaging is a simple, accessible, scalable and affordable means of supporting a lifestyle intervention, which potentially can be widely implemented.

We have conducted a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a text-message based intervention for women with GDM, commencing shortly after delivery, and continuing for 6 months post-partum. The intervention comprises 4 customised and personalised text messages a week promoting physical activity, healthy eating, general health and parenting, as well as feedback from activity monitors provided by the study. The primary outcome is the achievement of a composite weight, physical activity and dietary target at 6 months.

One hundred and seventy six women were recruited into the study, and the trial has just been completed. Preliminary outcomes will be presented.