Evaluation of nursing management strategies for gestational diabetes mellitus and their effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes

This study evaluates the effectiveness of nursing management strategies incorporating personalized nutritional intervention compared to standard care protocols in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), specifically examining maternal glycemic control, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes. This retrospective comparative study included a total of 242 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. The patients were divided into a control group receiving standard nursing care and an observational group receiving comprehensive nursing care with intensive, personalized nutritional intervention. Outcomes compared between groups included glycemic control parameters (fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin levels, insulin requirements), psychological assessments (self-management capacity and pregnancy-related anxiety), maternal pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes (birth weight, macrosomia, hypoglycemia, NICU admission rates). Both groups showed comparable baseline characteristics (all P > .05). The observational group demonstrated significantly improved glycemic control with lower fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels at 32 weeks and 36 to 38 weeks gestation (all P < .001). Insulin requirement was significantly reduced in the observational group ( P < .01). Self-management capacity improved and pregnancy-related anxiety decreased significantly in the observational group ( P < .05). Maternal pregnancy complications were significantly reduced ( P < .01), and neonatal outcomes including birth weight, macrosomia rates, hypoglycemia, and NICU admission showed significant improvements (all P < .05). Comprehensive nursing management incorporating personalized nutritional intervention significantly improves glycemic control, reduces maternal complications, and enhances neonatal outcomes in GDM patients compared to standard care protocols.