Objective To explore the application effect of ADOPT mode nursing intervention in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Totally 120 outpatients with GDM in gynecology and obstetrics clinic were divided into a control group and an intervention group using a random number table, with 60 cases in each group. The control group received routine nursing intervention and health guidance, while the intervention group additionally received ADOPT mode nursing for 8 weeks. The score of diabetes self-management behavior, blood glucose control levels and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results After the intervention, the diabetes self-management behavior score of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01), and the fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.01 for all). The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, oligohydramnios, and macrosomia in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion Application of the ADOPT mode nursing intervention in patients with GDM, can increase their level of self-management behavior, effectively control blood glucose, and improve patients′ pregnancy outcome.