Technology-supported lifestyle interventions to improve maternal-fetal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

Abstract Background : The increasing incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health problem. Lifestyle interventions have been recognized as effective measures to enhance maternal and child health. Traditional education approaches, personalized consultation and home visits to promote change in patients' lifestyle are limited by cost, lack of resources and inability to provide broad coverage. The increased use of technological approaches can cross these barriers. Objectives : The meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-supported lifestyle interventions for women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods : Databases that were reviewed included the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, Medline, CINAHL and ClinicalTrials.gov. from inception to September 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of technology-supported lifestyle interventions used for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were identified. Two reviewers independently assessed each study using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Maternal-fetal outcomes as well as weight gain in pregnancy and maternal blood glucose were presented as relative risks (RR) or a mean difference (MD). Results : Of the 3993 articles reviewed, ten RCTs involving 979 women were included. Technology-supported lifestyle interventions reduced pregnancy weight gain (MD = −1.55, 95% CI = [−1.81 to −1.29], P Conclusions : Technology-supported lifestyle interventions are associated with reducing pregnancy weight gain and mean (1-h and 2-h) postprandial blood glucose in women with GDM. Well-designed research studies are needed to identify the full potential of technology-supported lifestyle interventions, especially interventions guided by theoretical models.