Summary:
In 225 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, lifestyle intervention delivered via a self-management model supported by the medical Internet of Things (mIoT) including connected glucose monitors, digital data transmission, real-time feedback, and remote clinical oversight demonstrated significantly lower fasting blood glucose, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, reduced maternal weight gain, and decreased adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, neonatal hypoglycemia, and fetal macrosomia compared to standard lifestyle intervention without mIoT technologies, with no adverse effects reported from the intervention.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | 225 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. |
| Intervention | Lifestyle intervention via mIoT self-management model including connected glucose monitors, digital data transmission, real-time feedback, and remote clinical oversight. |
| Comparison | Standard lifestyle intervention for GDM without mIoT technologies—conventional nutrition counseling, exercise recommendations, and periodic clinic-based glucose review. |
| Outcome | Significantly lower fasting blood glucose, improved lipid metabolism, reduced maternal weight gain, and fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes. |
Clinical Context
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 6-15% of pregnancies globally. The medical Internet of Things (mIoT) offers connected health technologies that enable continuous data collection and real-time feedback.
Clinical Pearls
1. Technology Enhances Rather Than Replaces Care: The mIoT intervention extended clinical reach between encounters through real-time data transmission.
2. Improved Outcomes Across Multiple Domains: Benefits extended beyond glucose control to reduced weight gain and fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes.
3. Fasting Glucose Improvement Particularly Valuable: Fasting glucose is often the most challenging parameter to control in GDM.
4. Weight Gain Moderation Important: Excessive gestational weight gain compounds insulin resistance and increases cesarean delivery risk.
Practical Application
Consider implementing mIoT-based care delivery for GDM populations. Even simple steps toward connected care can help, such as recommending glucometers with smartphone apps.
Study Limitations
Single-center study in China may limit generalizability. The specific mIoT platform components weren’t detailed. Technology access could limit broader implementation.
Bottom Line
Medical Internet of Things-based lifestyle intervention in gestational diabetes significantly improves glucose control, reduces maternal weight gain, and decreases adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Source: Wen J, et al. “Evaluation of a Lifestyle Intervention for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on the Medical Internet of Things: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Read article
