Effects of an integrated self-management program on self-management, glycemic control, and maternal identity in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of an integrated self-management program on self-management, glycemic control, and maternal identity in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 55 women with GDM were recruited from Cheil General Hospital, Seoul, Korea and were assigned to an experimental (n=28) or control group (n=27). The participants were 24-30 weeks pregnant women who had been diagnosed with GDM as of July 30, 2010. The program was conducted as a 1 hour small group meeting 3 out of 5 times and by telephone-counseling 2 out of 5 times. The integrated self-management program was verified by an expert panel. Results: Although there was no significant reduction in HbA1c (U = -1.17, p=.238), there were statistically significant increases in self-management (U = -3.80, p<.001) and maternal identity (U = -4.48, p<.001), and decreased 2-h postprandial glucose levels (U = -2.43, p<.015) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that an integrated self-management program for women with GDM improves self-management, maternal identity, and glycemic control. Further studies are needed to identify the effects of an integrated self-management program on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.