A web-based pedometer programme in women with a recent history of gestational diabetes

• Published in: Diabetic medicine 2012-02, Vol.29 (2), p.278-283
• Main Authors: Kim, C., Draska, M., Hess, M. L., Wilson, E. J., Richardson, C. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Body Weight; Diabetes, Gestational - blood; Diabetes, Gestational - epidemiology; Diabetes, Gestational - rehabilitation; Endocrinopathies; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gestational diabetes; Glucose Intolerance - blood; Glucose Intolerance - epidemiology; Glucose Intolerance - rehabilitation; Glucose Tolerance Test; Health Behavior; Humans; Internet; intervention; Life Style; Medical sciences; Michigan - epidemiology; pedometers; physical activity; Pilot Projects; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; Vertebrates: endocrinology; Walking
• ISSN: 0742-3071; 1464-5491
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03415.x

Diabet. Med. 29, 278–283 (2012) Aims  Women with remote histories of gestational diabetes mellitus can reduce their diabetes risk through lifestyle changes, but the effectiveness of interventions in women with more recent histories of gestational diabetes has not been reported. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study of a low‐intensity web‐based pedometer programme targeting glucose intolerance among women with recent gestational diabetes. Methods  Women with a gestational diabetes delivery within the past 3 years were randomized to a 13‐week intervention consisting of a structured web‐based pedometer programme which gave personalized steps‐per‐week goals, pedometers and education regarding lifestyle modification, or to a letter about diabetes risk reduction and screening after delivery for gestational diabetes (control condition). The main outcome measures were change in fasting plasma glucose and 2‐h glucose levels on a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test between baseline and 13‐week follow‐up. Weight was a secondary outcome and behavioural constructs (self‐efficacy, social support, risk perception) were also assessed. Results  Forty‐nine women were enrolled. At 13‐week follow‐up, women randomized to the intervention did not have significant changes in behavioural constructs, physical activity or anthropometrics compared with women in the control group. Changes in fasting plasma glucose (–0.046 mmol/l vs. 0.038 mmol/l, P = 0.65), 2‐h glucose values (–0.48 mmol/l vs. –0.42 mmol/l, P = 0.91) and weight (–0.14 kg vs. –1.5 kg, P = 0.13) were similar between the control and intervention groups, respectively. Conclusions  Structured web‐based education utilizing pedometers is feasible although uptake may be low. Such programmes may need to be supplemented with additional measures in order to be effective for reduction of diabetes risk.