Randomised controlled trial of a customised text messaging and activity monitor program for lifestyle improvement after gestational diabetes

N. W. Cheung, David Simmons, S. Marschner, A. Thiagalingam, D. Pasupathy, B. J. Smith, V. Flood, M. McLean, S. J. Melov, R. Hogan, S. Padmanabhan, A. Duke, C. Ching, H. Min, J. McNab, C. K. Chow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with a long-term risk of diabetes. We aimed to determine whether a text-messaging-based lifestyle support program would improve diabetes risk factors following GDM. Women with GDM were randomised following delivery to receive four text messages per week supporting a healthy lifestyle and parenting for 6 months, with feedback from an activity monitor (intervention), or to receive the activity monitor only (control). The primary outcome was a composite of weight, physical activity and dietary goals. There were 177 women randomised, with 88 intervention and 89 control participants. All the participants experienced COVID-19 lockdowns during the study. Six-month primary outcome data were obtained for 57 intervention participants and 56 controls. There were 7/57 (12%) intervention and 6/56 (11%) control participants who met the primary outcome (relative risk, 1.08; 95%CI, 0.63–1.85; p = 0.79). Two intervention participants met the dietary goals compared to none of the control participants (p = NS). The intervention participants were more likely to record >1000 steps/day (on 102 ± 59 vs. 81 ± 59 days, p = 0.03). When analysed monthly, this was not initially different but became significant 3–6 months post-partum. Interviews and surveys indicated that with the Intervention, healthier choices were made, but these were negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Participants found the messages motivational (74%) and the activity monitor useful (71%). In conclusion, no improvement in the diabetes risk factors occurred among the women receiving the text messaging intervention when affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number820
Number of pages18
JournalNutrients
Volume16
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2024

Open Access - Access Right Statement

© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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