# Text for Success in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: An Accessible Text Message Solution to Improve Adherence and Distress

> **NIH NIH F32** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $75,930

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects 5-10% of pregnancies in the US and strict control of maternal glucose is
necessary to decrease the risk of serious maternal and fetal complications. This clinical research proposal stems
from studies demonstrating that text messaging is an effective way to improve management of diabetes outside
of pregnancy. I have developed and tested a novel text message library called Text For Success in Gestational
Diabetes (Txt4GDM) specifically tailored for women with GDM that includes reminders for self-monitoring of
blood glucose, positive feedback to user reported blood glucose values, educational, and motivational
messages. The goal of the proposed F32 project is to perform a randomized clinical trial in women with newly
diagnosed GDM to assess the impact of a text messaging program on adherence to self-monitoring of blood
glucose and diabetes distress. The applicant will perform a randomized clinical trial in which women with GDM
are either enrolled in the text messaging program or receive usual care for 6 weeks. The aims of the project are:
 1) To test the hypothesis that the Txt4GDM text messaging program will increase adherence to self-
 monitoring of blood glucose compared to women receiving usual care. The hypothesis is that the
 messaging program will increase adherence (the number of blood glucose measurements checked
 compared to the total number of blood glucose measurements recommended) compared to usual care.
2) To test the hypothesis that the Txt4GDM text messaging program decreases diabetes distress (a specific
form of emotional stress related to managing diabetes) compared to usual care. The hypothesis is that
 women enrolled in the messaging program will have lower diabetes distress as assessed by validated
 questionnaires compared to women receiving usual care.
The results of the proposed research could greatly enhance understanding of the use of text messaging for
improving adherence and decreasing distress in women with GDM, which could improve maternal and fetal
outcomes. The training plan includes dedicated mentorship by Ellen W. Seely, MD (sponsor), Marie McDonnell,
MD (specialty mentor in clinical care of GDM), and Alexander Turchin, MD (specialty mentor in quality and
outcomes research), each offering expertise tailored to the applicant’s needs and goals. Additionally, the
applicant will complete formal training in scientific communication, grant writing, and qualitative methods through
the Harvard Catalyst Clinical/Translational Science Center and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
These activities will provide the applicant with the necessary tools critical for development toward a career as an
independent clinical researcher in the field of diabetes in pregnancy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9991487
- **Project number:** 1F32DK124964-01
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Rachel Anne Blair
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $75,930
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-17 → 2021-08-16

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9991487

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9991487, Text for Success in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: An Accessible Text Message Solution to Improve Adherence and Distress (1F32DK124964-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9991487. Licensed CC0.

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