Managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can feel overwhelming for both patients and providers. Patients are faced with juggling doctor's appointments, dietary changes, blood sugar monitoring, and everything else that comes with pregnancy, while providers must navigate the complex process of GDM management. That's where digital health solutions come in, offering support and streamlining the process with  remote patient monitoring (RPM). 

While pregnancy apps have become essential tools for expecting mothers, and diabetes apps have made it easier for those living with diabetes to stay on top of their health, neither are fully equipped to address the unique needs of GDM. 

Both digital health categories fall short when it comes to providing the specific support and guidance necessary for managing GDM effectively. 

Read on to find out why these popular platforms miss the mark, and what’s needed to bridge the gap.

Pregnancy Trackers/Lifestyle

Examples: The Bump, BabyCenter, YoMingo, Peanut

Upside: 

• Education and Insights – Week-by-week updates on fetal development, symptoms, and prenatal care tips.
• Get Support and Advice – Connect with other parents and find helpful info from experts.
• Stay Organized – Keep track of symptoms, doctor visits, and important reminders.

Downside: 

• Limited GD Info – More of an educational tool than a condition-specific tracker.
• No GD tracking – No features for logging blood sugars or helping manage gestational diabetes

Pregnancy Virtual Care

Examples: Maven Clinic, Babyscripts, Pomelo Care, Poppy Seed Health, Soula AI

Upside:

• Access to Care Anytime – Virtual appointments with healthcare experts, including doctors, midwives, and doulas.
• Remote Health Tracking – Some platforms offer monitoring for key pregnancy health metrics like blood pressure and symptoms.
• Personalized Support – One-on-one coaching, real-time updates, and tailored advice throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Downside:

• Limited GDM Support – Most platforms don’t offer specialized features for gestational diabetes management.
• No CGM or Blood Sugar Tracking – Lacks integration with continuous glucose monitors or targeted diabetes resources.

Diabetes Management

Examples: Glucose Buddy, mySugr, One Drop, SugarMate

Upside:

• Easy-to-Use Tracking – Simple interfaces for logging blood sugar levels and other diabetes data.
• Motivating Features – Some apps use gamification or personalized feedback to keep users engaged.
• Data Sharing & Insights – Some platforms allow users to share data with caregivers or get AI-driven insights.

Downside:

• Not GDM-Specific – Designed for general diabetes management, not the unique needs of gestational diabetes.
• Limited Pregnancy Support – Most lack provider integration, RPM, or features for tracking pregnancy-related health.

CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring)

Examples: Freestyle Libre, Dexcom

Upside:

• No Fingersticks Needed – Provides real-time glucose readings without routine finger pricks.
• Continuous Monitoring – Tracks blood sugar 24/7, helping users spot trends and fluctuations.

Downside:

• Not Pregnancy-Specific – Designed for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, so alerts and target ranges may not align with GDM needs.
• Potential Information Overload – Detailed charts and frequent alerts may be overwhelming without medical guidance.

Remote Monitoring for Diabetes

Examples: Glooko, Livongo/Teladoc, Cadence, Omada

Upside:

• Tracks Multiple Health Metrics – Integrates glucose levels, activity, diet, and medication for remote monitoring.
• Includes Coaching & Support – Some platforms offer behavioral health guidance and patient engagement tools.
• Enables Remote Care – Helps healthcare providers monitor patients from a distance, reducing in-person visits.

Downside:

• Not GDM-Specific – Lacks pregnancy-focused insights, alerts, and does not have support for gestational diabetes.
• Billing & Provider Limitations – May not streamline maternity care billing or integrate seamlessly with OB providers.

TLDR:  Pregnancy and diabetes apps don't fully address gestational diabetes (GDM) needs, with pregnancy apps lacking GDM-specific features and diabetes apps focusing on general diabetes care. And while RPM platforms are useful, they aren't designed to meet the unique complexities of GDM, leaving a gap that is only addressed by the LilyLink solution. 

LilyLink: The Complete Solution for GDM

• Designed for GDM Care – LilyLink seamlessly integrates with patients’ glucometers and CGMs, using pregnancy-specific ranges and alerts to deliver only the most relevant data for a healthy pregnancy.
• Expert-Led Support – Our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs) provide training, monitor patients virtually, and escalate care when needed.
• RPM-Enabled for Better Outcomes – LilyLink empowers providers to remotely monitor glucose data, identify issues early, and deliver personalized support—while unlocking new reimbursement opportunities for high-risk pregnancies like GDM.

Your Partner in GDM Care

Managing GDM doesn’t have to be a struggle. LilyLink provides a comprehensive, integrated solution that helps OB clinics fully support their patients throughout pregnancy.

More than just a platform — we’re your partner in GDM care. Schedule a demo to learn more.