Improving Gestational Diabetes Management through Patient Education

Abstract

The challenge of achieving a healthy pregnancy and a successful birth outcome in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) requires a multidisciplinary approach with close collaboration between healthcare providers. One of the key elements for the successful management of GDM is the education of pregnant women. Patient education has been shown to improve quality of life, contribute to better compliance, and reduce complications and healthcare costs. In this chapter, we will present and discuss the main barriers in the educational process of women with GDM and innovative approaches for improving diabetes self-management education during pregnancy. The focus will be on the different educational methods, such as printed leaflets and booklets, Web-based educational programs, and new technologies including telemedicine and smartphone applications.