Objective To explore the application effect of a self-management intervention program based on the adaptive leadership theory in patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in clinic. Methods Totally 89 patients with GDM in clinic were divided into an experimental group (n=44) and a control group (n=45) chronologically.The control group received routine outpatient follow-up management, while the experimental group additionally received a self-management intervention program based on the adaptive leadership theory, which included online and offline intervention to guide patients and their family coping with technical challenges and adaptive challenges in disease management. Results After the intervention, the total score and each dimension score of self-management ability questionnaire in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P＜0.01 for all）, while the total score and each subscale score of pregnancy-related anxiety were lower than those in the control group （P＜0.01 for all）.The standard reaching of blood glucose and body weight growth in the experimental group were better than those in the control group （P＜0.05 for both）, while there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcome between the two groups （P＞0.05 for all）. Conclusion Application of the intervention program based on the adaptive leadership theory is conducive to increasing the self-management ability of GDM patients in clinic, reducing their pregnancy-related anxiety, and improving their blood glucose control and body weight management.