Submitted
Maternal & Newborn Health

Medworks – Managing Gestational Diabetes

Team Leader
Faisal Younus
Solution Overview
Solution Name:
Medworks – Managing Gestational Diabetes
One-line solution summary:
Digitizing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Management for Improving Maternal and Child Health
Pitch your solution.

Research shows that undiagnosed diabetes and gestational diabetes approximately affects 10%-25% of pregnancies globally. The problem is more pronounced in developing countries, resulting in increased risk of premature birth, immoderate birth weight and hypoglycemia for the infant, as well as increased blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and development of Type 2 diabetes for the mother or child in the future.

Leveraging self-monitoring of blood glucose technology, Medworks provides access to management of GDM via telemedicine. With real-time monitoring of blood glucose, diet, weight, exercise and blood pressure our cost-effective solution aims to nudge pregnant women diagnosed with GDM to adapt a healthier lifestyle with medical nutritional therapy and physical activity recommended by the HCP. At an institutional level, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy complications will reduce referrals to specialists and the need for using insulin for treatment. Subsequently, removing the burden on a health institution’s resources.

Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 20 million births were affected by GDM in 2019 globally. With limited data available on GDM in Pakistan, there is little consensus on the national prevalence rate as studies have observed varying results in different parts of the country. However, research conducted with a sample of 11,430 participants in 2019 shows 11.8% individuals were diagnosed with GDM. Risk factors include being overweight, excessive weight gain during pregnancy and family history of diabetes. Meanwhile, hospital expenditure and outpatient care are major contributing factors to a high economic burden for diabetes management. The COVID-19 pandemic adds an additional barrier for seeking consistent healthcare as pregnant women with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing complications and are advised to practice social distancing. This interferes with attending regular appointments with physicians, leaving women with GDM vulnerable to complications. 

What is your solution?

Our solution aims to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes and their newborns. We are collaborating with hospitals and diabetes clinics to better understand the needs of women with gestational diabetes to offer a service that can effectively avert complications during pregnancy and upon delivery. 

The solution consists of mobile and web applications, as well glucose monitoring equipment that that interfaces with the smartphone. Through the application, we enable real-time data sharing, communication and goal setting for women with GDM. 

Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?

Our solution aims to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes and their newborns. We are collaborating with hospitals and diabetes clinics to better understand the needs of women with gestational diabetes to offer a service that can effectively avert complications during pregnancy and upon delivery. With the help of diet and exercise to maintain glycemic control, we aim to reduce pregnancy complications, ts, maternal and child mortality rate as well as the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Subsequently, improving the likelihood of safer deliveries.

A meta-analysis of 32 RCTs on GDM management found telemedicine can favorably impact glycemic control as well as reduce risk of maternal and fetal complications, in comparison to clinical care practices. Additionally, a web intervention offering remote monitoring has found evidence for the feasibility of telemedicine to supplement clinical care among women with GDM. Such solutions ensure consistency in treatment and prevent complications from escalating further, resulting in fewer referrals and cost savings from seeking specialized care. 

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
  • Decrease the risk of disease between mothers and newborns
Explain how the problem, your solution, and your solution’s target population relate to the Challenge and your selected dimension.

Problem - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects maternal, fetal and newborn health that can hinder the quality of life if managed poorly. GDM contributes significantly pregnancy complications such as pre-term birth, stillbirth, excessive birth weight, and breathing difficulties for the newborn. It also results in more C-section births. Furthermore, it increases the risk of a chronic disease among future generations.

Solution - By digitizing diabetes management, we expand access to high quality care by improving service delivery through real-time reporting, virtual communication, and dashboard views that help identify at-risk women. Through our phone-compatible glucometer, we also contribute to improving diagnostics. 

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Karachi, Pakistan
What is your solution’s stage of development?
  • Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model
Who is the primary delegate for your solution?
Faisal Masood Younus - Founder
More About Your Solution
About Your Team
Your Business Model & Funding
Partnership & Prize Funding Opportunities
Solution Team:
Faisal  Younus
Faisal Younus
Business Development & Product Management Lead