DESIGN OF A FRAMEWORK TO ENHANCE THE GLUCOSE TELEMONITORING SYSTEM FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES PATIENTS IN THE STATE OF QATAR

Abstract

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) require frequent follow-ups and comprehensive care to maintain normal maternal blood glucose levels and enhance pregnancy outcomes. With the evolution of peoples’ lifestyles in using mobile phones and tablets regardless of their age, demographic and social status, as well as the developments in digital health technology, telemedicine and telemonitoring have become important approaches in several medical disciplines. Telemonitoring methods for GDM improve the quality of life and self-management among women. This study aims to design a framework of a glucose telemonitoring system that enhances the quality of life and self-management among gestational diabetes patients in the state of Qatar. The framework illustrates the adoption of IoT and fog computing techniques that enable a real-time decision support system. A literature review of the latest studies that focus on gestational diabetes and telemonitoring systems is done to identify previous research related to the current study. In addition, interviews with a clinician, application developer, and patients were conducted to determine the current GDM monitoring systems in Sidra Medicine and to identify achievable gestational diabetes telemonitoring methods that will assist in the design of the GDM telemonitoring framework. The results show that self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among pregnant women is highly effective in managing GDM. The patients utilized varied glucose monitors to self-monitor and transmitted results to the clinicians via an app for interventional advice. The clinicians applauded SMBG as it saves time, cost, and enhances management of GDM. The mHealth application developers defined the relevant features and steps in developing the digital applications. Therefore, using all the three perspectives, a best-practice framework for a glucose telemonitoring system is proposed in this thesis that will guild the developers in future. In conclusion, digital applications are important in the management of GDM as they improve outcomes by saving time, costs, and improving accessibility. Future research is however required to further understand the impacts of digital technologies in GDM management.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering