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Using Mobile Apps for Diabetes Self-Management: A Review of Patient Perspectives

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Self-management is crucial for people with diabetes to maintain their health and prevent complications.  Mobile applications have emerged as promising tools to help people with diabetes self-manage their condition. Our recent article in the journal BMJ Open - What are the perceptions and experiences of adults using mobile applications for self-management in diabetes? A systematic review - reviewed some of the the research literature in this area to obtain patient perspectives on these apps.

What are the benefits of using mobile apps for diabetes self-management?

Our systematic review explored the perceptions and experiences of adults with types 1, 2, and gestational diabetes using mobile applications for self-management.  The review included 24 qualitative studies that interviewed or surveyed people with diabetes who used mobile apps for self-management.   

We found that people with diabetes generally have a positive view of mobile apps for self-management.  App features that were particularly valued included:   

  • Monitoring blood glucose, diet, and exercise    
  • Receiving reminders about blood glucose checks, medication, and mealtimes    
  • Learning about the interrelationship between blood glucose, diet, and exercise    

What are the challenges of using mobile apps for diabetes self-management?

We also identified several challenges that people with diabetes face when using mobile apps for self-management. These challenges include:

  • Uploading excessive information    
  • Monitoring device incompatibility    
  • Episodic app crashes    
  • Telephone handling issues    

What are the implications of this research?

We concluded that mobile applications are promising tools to help people with diabetes self-manage their condition.  However, it is important to address the challenges that people with diabetes face when using these apps. We also recommended that future research should:

  • Include healthcare professionals (HCPs) to get their views on the apps    
  • Explore the long-term usage of mobile apps    
  • Evaluate the role of AI in providing interactive support for self-management    

Conclusion

Mobile apps have the potential to improve diabetes self-management. By addressing the challenges and incorporating the recommendations of this research, we can develop apps that are truly beneficial for people with diabetes. 

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