VALID III

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health challenge that affects the health of both pregnant women and their babies. Good management of GDM requires pregnant women to have adequate knowledge, adherence to treatment and the capacity for self-care, at a time when reliable information is limited and continuous support from healthcare workers is not yet sufficient.

In light of this, digital health and companion support have been identified as key to improving the quality of community health care in an effective, flexible and sustainable way, removing geographical barriers and complementing the traditional health system. This is a modern, patient-centred approach that strengthens support and reduces the sense of isolation pregnant women may feel while caring for themselves during pregnancy.

This handbook has therefore been developed as a supplementary practical guide for healthcare workers in maternal and child health. It introduces and explains how to organise an intervention model that accompanies pregnant women with GDM through digital health in Vietnam. Colleagues can use this handbook alongside the regulations of the Ministry of Health to ensure legal and professional standards in the diagnosis, treatment and counselling of pregnant women with GDM and their families.

Pregnancy is a wonderful journey, full of love and anticipation. Yet sometimes, along the way, a pregnant woman may face something unexpected, such as a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). You may feel confused, unsettled and worried. These feelings are completely natural and understandable.

Please know that you are not alone! Thousands of pregnant women are going through the same experience, and most importantly: GDM can be managed so that you and your baby can have a healthy and safe pregnancy.

To help pregnant women care for themselves and manage the condition, the project has implemented a digital companion support model for pregnant women with GDM. The model has clearly helped reduce stress and anxiety, improve awareness and self-care practices, and empower pregnant women in managing their condition.

This handbook offers practical knowledge and experience to help pregnant women feel more confident, proactive and reassured on their precious journey to motherhood.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder in pregnancy that can seriously affect the health of both mother and baby if it is not detected and managed in time.

Recognising the importance of screening and managing gestational diabetes nationwide, the Ministry of Health issued Decision 1470/QĐ-BYT on 29 May 2024, “National guidelines on screening and management of gestational diabetes mellitus”, to provide a legal and professional framework for health facilities across the country.

Alongside medical treatment, a pregnant woman’s ability to care for herself plays an important role in controlling the condition. Following an appropriate diet, staying safely physically active and monitoring blood glucose regularly all help improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

This handbook has been compiled to support healthcare workers in counselling and caring for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, focusing on health education, nutrition counselling, physical activity guidance, blood glucose monitoring and psychological support.