Research co-authored by UCRH’s Director, Professor Vicki Flood has looked at whether a text-messaging-based lifestyle support program would improve diabetes risk factors following gestational diabetes (GDM).
In the research, women with GDM were randomised following delivery to receive four text messages per week supporting a healthy lifestyle and parenting for six 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.
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 and the activity monitor useful. However in conclusion, the authors found no improvement in the diabetes risk factors occurred among the women receiving the text messaging intervention when affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
