Date of this Version

7-31-2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Background: Poor glycemic control among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses significant risks for both maternal and fetal complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, though valuable tools, are often poorly understood by patients, which impedes effective self-management. Insufficient education and low confidence frequently contribute to poor adherence to glucose monitoring and dietary recommendations.

Methods: This quality improvement project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to guide implementation. A pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of a one-hour CGM-focused education session. The intervention was delivered to a sample of 30 pregnant women with GDM in an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic. The curriculum was based on the 2022 American Diabetes Association (ADA) National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES). Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ) and the Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Questionnaire. The impact of the intervention was determined by applying paired t-tests to compare participants’ pre- and post-intervention outcomes.

Results: The CGM education session led to meaningful increases in participants’ diabetes knowledge and confidence in managing their condition.

Conclusion: Despite limitations such as a small sample size, short follow-up period, and single - site implementation, the results suggest that structured CGM education is a highly effective intervention. When delivered by advanced practice nurses, this education can enhance patient knowledge, support technology adoption, and promote effective self-management of GDM. Education also fosters confidence and empowers patients to make informed treatment decisions. Given these benefits, broader implementation of this practice is warranted, alongside long-term research to further evaluate its impact.

Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES), patient education.

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