Mobile health applications in the management of hyperglycemia in pregnancy: a mini-review of current tools and future perspectives.

Abstract

Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP), encompassing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM), constitutes a growing clinical challenge, impacting approximately 23 million live births annually worldwide and conferring substantial maternal and fetal risks. This mini-review evaluates mobile health (mHealth) applications for HIP management, focusing on glycemic monitoring, nutritional interventions, physical activity promotion, insulin dose titration, and postpartum surveillance. Reviewed applications facilitate data collection from glucometers and continuous glucose monitoring systems, deliver graphical analytics, tailored recommendations, artificial intelligence-driven coaching, and secure remote data exchange with healthcare professionals, thereby increasing patient adherence, glycemic regulation, and perinatal outcomes, including reductions in HbA1c, neonatal birthweight, and caesarean section rates. Key benefits include enhanced patient empowerment, streamlined telemedicine, and psychosocial support, supported by trials demonstrating superior glycemic indices and reduced hyperglycemic excursions. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including heterogeneous clinical validation, socioeconomic-digital disparities, data security imperatives, and the absence of comprehensive integrated platforms. Future perspectives focus on developing digital systems that combine sensors, artificial intelligence, and online clinics. These systems aim to improve coordinated care for women with HIP, make treatment more effective, enhance user satisfaction, and help healthcare providers use resources efficiently.