+AA
Back
Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisSelf-management of Type 2 diabetes via smartphone applications may have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels
Cui M, Wu X, Mao J, et al. T2DM self-management via smartphone applications: A systematic review and meta-analysis PLoS One. 2016;11(11).
Review question
- Do health interventions delivered via smartphones improve diabetes care and self-management for adult patients with Type 2 diabetes in terms of glucose levels, blood pressure and blood fat levels?
Background
- Diabetes is a common chronic disease that is affecting more people worldwide every year. With no cure for diabetes, using self-management to adopt a healthy lifestyle is an important step for prevention and treatment.
- Currently, usual care involves recording health information changes on paper, or on technologies such as computers, cellphones and tablets.
- This study aimed to assess whether or not the use of smartphone apps with or without feedback as a self-management tool is a promising means of improving dietary and physical activity habits in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
How the review was done
- A detailed search of a number of electronic data bases for studies published from 2005 to 2015 was conducted. Studies that focused on mobile health applications in Type 2 diabetes patients aged 18 or older were included in the review.
- A total of 2,956 studies were identified in searches, and 13 were included in the review after assessments for eligibility.
- This review was funded by research grants from the Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China, and National Key Program of Clinical Science.
What the researchers found
- This review found that smartphone-based self-management apps reduced blood sugar levels. However, there was no difference between apps with or without feedback.
- Smartphone-based self-management apps were not found to affect blood pressure or weight levels.
- This review found that mobile health interventions are moderately effective at promoting lifestyle changes such as daily physical activity and taking medications.
Conclusion
- Overall, self-management with health interventions delivered via mobile phone apps have no significant effect on blood pressure or weight, but have a moderate beneficial effect on blood sugar levels. As such, mobile health interventions may help manage Type 2 diabetes, however, results should be used with caution as further research is needed to explore aspects of diabetes self-management that can be transferred to clinical practice.
Related Topics
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Self-monitoring reduces blood-sugar levels in patients with non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2018) -
Culturally appropriate health education for people in ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014) -
Self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are not using insulin
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012)
DISCLAIMER These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the ÆßÃõ¼º½ Optimal Aging Portal
(info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).
Register for free access to all Professional content
RegisterWant the latest in aging research? Sign up for our email alerts.
Subscribe Our Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. .
