Using Digital Health Technology to Prevent and Treat Diabetes

Effectiveness of a Digitally Delivered Continuous Care Intervention (Defeat Diabetes) on Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes: A 12-Month Single-Arm, Pre-Post Intervention Study

Low-carbohydrate dietary approaches can lead to improvements in blood glucose levels and weight loss, as well as a reduction and/or cessation in medication use in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent technological advances have led to the development of health-related applications (apps), including a high proportion dedicated to the management of diabetes. The Defeat Diabetes Program is a smartphone- and web-based app that provides guidance on a low-carbohydrate dietary approach for T2D and was designed to be used in conjunction with standard care in the medical management of T2D. The primary aim of this protocol is to provide the rationale and design of a single-arm 12-month pre-post intervention clinical trial using the Defeat Diabetes Program in an Australian community-based cohort of people with T2D who were referred by their general practitioner (GP). The study seeks to engage the GP community to help demonstrate whether the results of using a low-carbohydrate dietary approach for T2D can be achieved by the Defeat Diabetes Program in their patients. This protocol describes (1) the rationale for the selection of primary and secondary outcome measures, (2) the sampling procedures and methodological steps used to identify eligible participants and collect data, and (3) the approach followed to involve and educate GPs to support the trial.

Real-world demographic patterns of users of a digital primary prevention service for diabetes

Rapid urbanization has led to an exponential increase in lifestyle-associated metabolic disorders presenting a huge socioeconomic burden. Waya is a digital prevention program that guides overweight and obese individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, diet, and educational videos.

Objectives and aims

We aimed to study the demographic patterns of the Waya cohort and examine the prevalence of diabetes (the most common lifestyle-associated metabolic disorder) and its risk factors in comparison to the GEDA 2014/2015-European Health Interview Survey population.

Methods

Waya participants who registered by 1 October 2020 and who answered at least one health survey question were included in this study. Factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes between the two populations were compared using Chi-square test.

Results

Of the 837 participants, 86.1% were women. The proportion of obese participants was higher in Waya than in the German Health Update (GEDA) cohort (women: 39.4% vs. 18%, P < 0.05; men: 37.1% vs. 18.3%, P < 0.05), whereas the proportion of participants with hypertension (women: 12.1% vs. 30.9% in GEDA, P < 0.05; men: 22.4% vs. 32.8% in GEDA, P < 0.05) was lower. The proportion of women with diabetes was low in our cohort (3.9% vs. 7% in GEDA, P < 0.05); however, the proportion of men with diabetes remained the same between the two groups. We observed significant differences between the GEDA and Waya cohorts due to changes in the prevalence pattern over time or target bias of the digital program.

Conclusion

These findings showcase the usability of Waya in collecting real-world insights, which will be beneficial in monitoring the prevalence of chronic metabolic disorders and associated risk factors over time.

A data-driven approach to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus through digital health: The Klivo Intervention Program protocol (KIPDM)

BACKGROUND

Digital therapeutics, an emerging type of medical approach, is defined as evidence-based therapeutic interventions through qualified software programs that help prevent, manage, or treat chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which has high social and economic burden. Klivo, a startup certified by the Brazilian Society of Diabetes, developed the first digital therapeutic product for managing T2DM in Brazil, reaching 21 of 24 states. Klivo has continuously been improving its model of behavior change on the basis of an intensive lifestyle intervention method that addresses individuals' needs-the Klivo Intervention Program for T2DM (KIPDM). To test the most recent version of the KIPDM, we will evaluate the ongoing management of daily life habits in patients with T2DM by measuring clinically significant outcomes. To improve the transparency of further results, here we will present the study protocol and detail the plan for the research project, including the study design and the analysis strategies.

METHODS

The KIPDM will be sponsored by health plans and healthcare provider organizations and will be free for patients (adults aged ≥ 18 years and <65 years; and glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7%). The program will be based on a 6-month management process that will supervise patients remotely. The program will include educational classes via the Klivo app, text messages, or e-mails. Evaluation will include objectively assessing clinical, laboratory, and behavioral outcomes such as health-related quality of life, mental health, medication adherence, and healthcare utilization. For this, validated electronic questionnaires will be available through the Klivo app. The primary outcome will be glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values. The secondary outcome will be time in target blood glucose range (TIR) estimated by capillary glycemia. Other outcomes of interest will be evaluated at baseline and stipulated time points (3 and 6 months after the start of the program).

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

KIPDM patients should present improved HbA1c and TIR along the intervention as compared to baseline values. Findings from this study will provide insights into the health improvement of T2DM and other cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity by using a digital therapeutic strategy. By analyzing the patient's health over time, this study will also contribute to understanding comorbidities associated with this chronic condition in the Brazilian population.

Digital technology and its effects on knowledge improvement for diabetes management: An integrative review

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of educational digital technology in improving patients' and health professionals' knowledge about diabetes management.

BACKGROUND

The use of digital technologies has been expanding in recent years in several areas of healthcare and education.

DESIGN

Integrative literature review.

DATA SOURCES

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Lilacs, BDENF, Web of Science and SciELO (1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020).

REVIEW METHODS

Titles and abstracts were screened and selected by independent reviewers based on eligibility criteria. A consensus was drawn on which articles should be included. Data were extracted using an instrument created by the authors, and the synthesis of knowledge was made by compiling the results in a table and identifying thematic axes.

RESULTS

Seventy-one articles were retrieved, and after the final analysis, a total of 11 were included. Most studies have pointed out benefits from the use of digital technologies in diabetes education, with two thematic categories emerging: 'Digital technologies in the education of patients with diabetes' and 'Digital technologies in continuing professional education in diabetes'.

CONCLUSION

The use of digital technologies is beneficial and effective both for continuing professional education and educating patients about diabetes management.

Evaluation of a Web-Based Simulation Tool for Self-Management Support in Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate a novel Web-based Simulation Tool (WST) that brings simulation technologies to people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), enabling unique patient-data interactions seamlessly on a daily basis.

METHODS

A pilot clinical trial was conducted to assess system usability. The study consisted of one week of observation (Phase 1) and four weeks of interaction with WST (Phase 2). Responses to Technology Acceptance (TA) and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) questionnaires were collected, and follow-up interviews were conducted after Phase 2.

RESULTS

Fifteen participants with T1D using Control-IQ technology (age: 36 ± 13 years, HbA1c: 6.5% ± 0.7%) completed all study procedures. Generated simulation models achieved a median Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 6.8% [interquartile range, IQR: 5.1%, 9.1%]. A decrease in expected benefits (likely explained by issues with the third-party data collection system) and an increase in expected burdens were observed. On a 1-5 scale, ease of use, trust, and usefulness scores were 3 [3,4], 4 [3,4], and 4 [3,4], respectively. Time below 70 mg/dL decreased between Phases 1 and 2 (1.6% [0.7%,3.7%] vs 0.8% [0.5%,3.0%]). A reduction in mean emotional burden was also observed (2.5 ± 1.1 vs 2.1 ± 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that there was a learning curve to WST, but also that most participants trusted the system and found it useful in their diabetes care.

SIGNIFICANCE

Simulation technologies like WST could be used by educators and patients to facilitate diabetes self-management, leading to better diabetes literacy and reducing associated distress.

Impact of a Digital Lifestyle Intervention on Diabetes Self-Management: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to provide preliminary evidence on the impact of the digital health application Vitadio on improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This was a 3-month, prospective, multicenter, open-label trial with an intraindividual control group. Participants received a digital lifestyle intervention. HbA1c levels were observed at 3 time points: retrospectively, at 3 months before app use; at baseline, at the start of usage; and 3 months after the start of use. In addition, changes in other metabolic parameters (fasting glucose, body weight, and waist circumference), patient reported outcomes (quality of life, self-efficacy, and depression), and data generated within the app (frequency of use, steps, and photos of meals) were evaluated. Repeated measures analysis of variance with the Bonferroni correction was used to assess the overall difference in HbA1c values between the intervention and the intraindividual control group, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Participants (n = 42) were 57 ± 7.4 years old, 55% male, and with a mean baseline HbA1c of 7.9 ± 1.0%. An average HbA1c reduction of −0.9 ± 1.1% (p < 0.001) was achieved. The digital health application was effective in significantly reducing body weight (−4.3 ± 4.5 kg), body mass index (−1.4 ± 1.5 kg/m2), waist circumference (−5.7 ± 15 cm), and fasting glucose (−0.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L). The digital therapy achieved a clinically meaningful and significant HbA1c reduction as well as a positive effect on metabolic parameters. These results provide preliminary evidence that Vitadio may be effective in supporting patient diabetes management by motivating patients to adopt healthier lifestyles and improving their self-management.

New digital health technologies for insulin initiation and optimization for people with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The health and economic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is of global significance. Many people with T2D eventually need insulin to help reduce their risk of serious associated complications. However, barriers in initiating and/or optimizing insulin expose people with diabetes to sustained hyperglycemia. In this review, we investigate how new and future technologies may provide opportunities to help overcome barriers to insulin initiation and/or optimization.

METHODS

A focused literature search of PubMed and key scientific congresses was conducted. Software tools and devices developed to support insulin initiation and/or optimization were identified by manually filtering over 300 publications and conference abstracts.

RESULTS

Most software tools have been developed for a smartphone platform. At present, published data suggest that use of these technologies is associated with equivalent or improved glycemic outcomes compared with standard care with additional benefits such as reduced healthcare provider (HCP) time burden and improved diabetes knowledge. However, there remains a paucity of good quality evidence. Most new devices to support insulin therapy help track the dose and timing of insulin use.

CONCLUSIONS

New digital health tools may help to reduce barriers to optimal insulin therapy. An integrated solution that connects glucose monitoring, dose recording, titration advice, and records comorbidities and lifestyle factors has the potential to reduce the complexity and burden of treatment and may improve titration and treatment adherence, resulting in better outcomes for people with diabetes.

Digital interventions self-management education for type 1 and 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To describe and assess digital health-led diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) effectiveness in improving glycosylated hemoglobin, diabetes knowledge, and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of Type 1 and 2 Diabetes in the past 10 years.

DESIGN

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO registration number CRD42019139884.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Scopus between January 2010 and August 2019. Study Selection and Appraisal: Randomized control trials of digital health-led DSMES for Type 1 (T1DM) or 2 (T2DM) diabetes compared to usual care were included. Outcomes were change in HbA1c, diabetes knowledge, and HrQoL. Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess bias and GRADEpro for overall quality. The analysis involved narrative synthesis, subgroup and pooled meta-analyses.

RESULTS

From 4286 articles, 39 studies (6861 participants) were included. Mean age was 51.62 years, range (13-70). Meta-analysis revealed intervention effects on HbA1c for T2DM with difference in means (MD) from baseline -0.480% (-0.661, -0.299), I²75% (6 months), -0.457% (-0.761, -0.151), I² 81% (12 months), and for T1DM -0.41% (-1.022, 0.208) I² 83% (6 months), -0.03% (-0.210, 0.142) I² 0% (12 months). Few reported HrQoL with Hedges' g 0.183 (-0.039, 0.405), I² 0% (6 months), 0.153 (-0.060, 0.366), I² 0% (12 months) and diabetes knowledge with Hedges' g 1.003 (0.068, 1.938), I² 87% (3 months).

CONCLUSION

Digital health-led DSMES are effective in improving HbA1c and diabetes knowledge, notably for T2DM. Research shows non-significant changes in HrQoL. Intervention effect on HbA1c was more impressive if delivered through mobile apps or patient portals. Further research is needed on the impact of DSMES on these outcomes, especially for newly diagnosed diabetes patients.

Improvement in Glucose Regulation Using a Digital Tracker and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Healthy Adults and Those with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been shown to decrease both hyper- and hypoglycemia in insulin-treated diabetes, its value in non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes is unclear. Studies examining the reduction in hyperglycemia with the use of CGM in non-insulin-treated T2D are limited.

METHODS

We investigated the potential benefit of CGM combined with a mobile app that links each individual's glucose tracing to meal composition, heart rate, and physical activity in a cohort of 1022 individuals, ranging from nondiabetic to non-insulin-treated T2D, spanning a wide range of demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics. The primary endpoint was the change in time in range (TIR), defined as 54-140 mg/dL for healthy and prediabetes, and 54-180 mg/dL for T2D, from the beginning to end of a 10-day period of use of the Freestyle Libre CGM. Logged food intake, physical activity, continuous glucose, and heart rate data were captured by a smartphone-based app that continuously provided feedback to participants, overlaying daily glucose patterns with activity and food intake, including macronutrient breakdown, glycemic load (GL), and glycemic index (GI).

RESULTS

A total of 665 participants meeting eligibility and data requirements were included in the final analysis. Among self-reported nondiabetic participants, CGM identified glucose excursions in the diabetic range among 15% of healthy and 36% of those with prediabetes. In the group as a whole, TIR improved significantly (p < 0.001). Among the 51.4% of participants who improved, TIR increased by an average of 6.4% (p < 0.001). Of those with poor baseline TIR, defined as TIR below comparable A1c thresholds for T2D and prediabetes, 58.3% of T2D and 91.7% of healthy/prediabetes participants improved their TIR by an average of 22.7% and 23.2%, respectively. Predictors of improved response included no prior diagnosis of T2D and lower BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that 10-day use of CGM as a part of multimodal data collection, with synthesis and feedback to participants provided by a mobile health app, can significantly reduce hyperglycemia in non-insulin-treated individuals, including those with early stages of glucose dysregulation.

The impact of chemical engineering and technological advances on managing diabetes: present and future concepts

Monitoring blood glucose levels for diabetic patients is critical to achieve tight glycaemic control. As none of the current antidiabetic treatments restore lost functional β-cell mass in diabetic patients, insulin injections and the use of insulin pumps are most widely used in the management of glycaemia. The use of advanced and intelligent chemical engineering, together with the incorporation of micro- and nanotechnological-based processes have lately revolutionized diabetic management. The start of this concept goes back to 1974 with the description of an electrode that repeatedly measures the level of blood glucose and triggers insulin release from an infusion pump to enter the blood stream from a small reservoir upon need. Next to the insulin pumps, other drug delivery routes, including nasal, transdermal and buccal, are currently investigated. These processes necessitate competences from chemists, engineers-alike and innovative views of pharmacologists and diabetologists. Engineered micro and nanostructures hold a unique potential when it comes to drug delivery applications required for the treatment of diabetic patients. As the technical aspects of chemistry, biology and informatics on medicine are expanding fast, time has come to step back and to evaluate the impact of technology-driven chemistry on diabetics and how the bridges from research laboratories to market products are established. In this review, the large variety of therapeutic approaches proposed in the last five years for diabetic patients are discussed in an applied context. A survey of the state of the art of closed-loop insulin delivery strategies in response to blood glucose level fluctuation is provided together with insights into the emerging key technologies for diagnosis and drug development. Chemical engineering strategies centered on preserving and regenerating functional pancreatic β-cell mass are evoked in addition as they represent a permanent solution for diabetic patients.

Trends in diabetes care with special emphasis to medicinal plants: Advancement and treatment

Diabetic mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder prevailing throughout the world. It may affect a child to an older person depending upon the physiology and the factors influencing the internal metabolic system of the body. Several treatments are available in the market ranges from synthetic drugs, insulin therapy, herbal drugs, and transdermal patches. Interestingly, the development of technologies and digital health have proving very helpful in improving the lifestyle of diabetic patients. All treatment approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages in the form of effectiveness and side effects. Medicinal plants have a long history of traditional application in the treatment of diabetes and even the use of plants are growing day-by-day due to the significant results against diseases and fewer side effects as compared to other treatment therapies. The intention behind writing this review is to gather all information and discussed them exhaustively in an article. The novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected my lives including diabetic patients. The antidiabetic treatment strategies during this period has also discussed. In this article, we highlighted the molecular mechanism and herbal phytoconstituents that are responsible for lowering blood glucose level. The factors responsible for the progression of metabolic disorders can be controlled with the use of phytoconstituents present in herbal plants to maintain β-cells performance and restore blood glucose level. It can be concluded that medicinal plants are effective and affordable with lesser side effects for treating DM.

Telehealth Diabetes Prevention Intervention for the Next Generation of African American Youth: Protocol for a Pilot Trial

Background

In 1999, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was identified as an emerging epidemic in youth, and racial and ethnic minority youth were identified with high risk. Two decades later, no gold standard T2DM prevention intervention has been established for this population.

Objective

This study tests the efficacy of a telehealth diabetes prevention intervention for African American (AA) families with children with risk for T2DM. Concurrently, investigators aim to evaluate an implementation strategy for the uptake of the intervention by the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) pediatric weight management clinic.

Methods

This single-arm trial will enroll 20 parents with overweight or obesity of children (8-11 years) with overweight or obesity, both of whom are at risk for T2DM. Parents will meet in small groups (5 parents per group) weekly for 11 weeks and then monthly for 4 monthly maintenance sessions via videoconference using Wi-Fi–enabled iPads with cellular connectivity. The intervention will be adapted from the National Diabetes Prevention Program and Power to Prevent, a diabetes prevention program tailored for AA families. The same lifestyle intervention facilitated by a racially concordant lifestyle coach trained in the Diabetes Prevention Program will be delivered to all groups (n=4). Participants will be recruited in-person during patient encounters at the UMMC’s pediatric weight management clinic. Sessions will consist of dietary and physical activity behavior change strategies facilitated using problem-solving and goal-setting skills. The implementation strategy has 2 targets: the pediatric weight management clinic site and clinical team and parents of children at risk for T2DM engaged in intensive obesity treatment to prevent T2DM. The multifaceted implementation protocol includes 4 discrete strategies: creating a new clinical team, changing the service site, intervening with families, and promoting organizational readiness for change.

Results

Recruitment and enrollment began in December 2020, and the intervention is scheduled to be delivered to the first cohort of parents in March 2021. The results are expected to be submitted for publication beginning in November 2021 through 2022. The primary outcome measure for the pilot trial will include changes from baseline to 12 and 30 weeks in the child BMI z score and parent BMI. The implementation evaluation will include multiple measures of feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, fidelity, and efficacy. This protocol was approved by the UMMC’s Institutional Review Board (#2020V0249).

Conclusions

The proposed intervention approach is supported by the scientific literature and is scalable given the current and future health care subsidies for telehealth. Findings from this pilot trial will begin to address critical barriers to defining a gold standard lifestyle intervention for AA families with children at risk for T2DM. If effective, the intervention could be feasibly disseminated to treat obesity and prevent T2DM in high-risk AA pediatric populations.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/25699

A Novel User Utility Score for Diabetes Management Using Tailored Mobile Coaching: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Mobile health applications have been developed to support diabetes self-management, but their effectiveness could depend on patient engagement. Therefore, patient engagement must be examined through multifactorial tailored behavioral interventions from an individual perspective.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of a novel user utility score (UUS) as a tool to measure patient engagement by using a mobile health application for diabetes management.

Methods

We conducted a subanalysis of results from a 12-month randomized controlled trial of a tailored mobile coaching (TMC) system among insurance policyholders with type 2 diabetes. UUS was calculated as the sum of the scores for 4 major core components (range 0-8): frequency of self-monitoring blood glucose testing, dietary and exercise records, and message reading rate. We explored the association between UUS for the first 3 months and glycemic control over 12 months. In addition, we investigated the relationship of UUS with blood pressure, lipid profile, and self-report scales assessing diabetes self-management.

Results

We divided 72 participants into 2 groups based on UUS for the first 3 months: UUS:0-4 (n=38) and UUS:5-8 (n=34). There was a significant between-group difference in glycated hemoglobin test (HbA_1c) levels for the 12-months study period (P=.011). The HbA_1c decrement at 12 months in the UUS:5-8 group was greater than that of the UUS:0-4 group [–0.92 (SD 1.24%) vs –0.33 (SD 0.80%); P=.049]. After adjusting for confounding factors, UUS was significantly associated with changes in HbA_1c at 3, 6, and 12 months; the regression coefficients were –0.113 (SD 0.040; P=.006), –0.143 (SD 0.045; P=.002), and –0.136 (SD 0.052; P=.011), respectively. Change differences in other health outcomes between the 2 groups were not observed throughout a 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions

UUS as a measure of patient engagement was associated with changes in HbA_1c over the study period of the TMC system and could be used to predict improved glycemic control in diabetes self-management through mobile health interventions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrial.gov NCT03033407; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03033407

A systematic review of decision aids for mammography screening: Focus on outcomes and characteristics

PURPOSE

Decision Aid systems (DAs) provide information on the pros and cons of mammography. This study aimed to review the research on mammography DAs, synthesize the findings related to their outcomes and characteristics, and address the existed research gap.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive search on some e-databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science in August 2020; by searching the keywords of "Breast cancer", "Screening", and "Decision aid systems" as well as their synonyms in the titles and abstracts of the papers with no time limits. Among the selected English journal papers with the interventional study design, those measuring outcome values of using mammography DAs were recognized as eligible for being included in this review.

RESULTS

The systematic search results in 16 DAs regarding mammography that were designed and then evaluated from 18 selected studies. The results showed that DAs provide improvements in knowledge and informed choice, the decreased decisional conflicts and decisional confidence, almost without changing any attitude towards mammography, mammography participation rates, psychological issues, anticipated regret, and perceived risk of breast cancer. The DAs' effects on women's inclination to screening were divergent. In other words, the DAs affect individuals' inclination in rare cases; however, on occasion, they could affect women's decision to undergo screening.

CONCLUSION

DAs could correct the bias attached to the existing knowledge on mammography and breast cancer in women so that they are more likely to make a precise decision. Additionally, it might be of central importance in shared decision-making and assisting health providers, in order to promote the quality of care. Accordingly, performing more studies is needed to develop more professional DAs in various countries with different facilities, cultures, and languages.

Digital health and diabetes: experience from India

The digitization of healthcare and its usage in the delivery of healthcare have experienced exponential growth across the world in recent times. India's fast-growing diabetes population has been exerting immense pressure on the country's healthcare infrastructure. Various innovative and evolving technologies are converging to impact the trajectory of digital health in diabetes. The diabetes community has been adopting various technologies such as connected glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring systems, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, closed-loop systems, digitalization of health data, and diabetes-related apps for the prevention and management of the condition. India has provided some excellent examples in exploiting the potential of digital transformation in revamping the diabetes ecosystem. Yet, there are still various hurdles in technology development, healthcare delivery, as well as concerns related to data privacy, digital divide, policies by the government, role of stakeholders, attitude, and absorption by healthcare professionals, and hospitals. This article provides an overview of the digital diabetes technologies currently practiced in India and recommends the need for strong technology adaptation and policy interventions for an ideal roadmap of digitalization of diabetes care in the Indian milieu.

User Preferences Related to Multimedia Elements of a Mobile Application to Prevent Diabetes

Objectives

To understand user preferences related to the characteristics of an application that promotes and provides education on healthy habits to correctly design multimedia elements.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive qualitative study with a hermeneutical strategy, which gathered information using well-researched questions that were posed to focus groups consisting of 32 participants. These participants were asked for opinions related to multimedia elements to display educational messages about physical activity and healthy eating in a mobile application. There were three analysis categories of multimedia elements: text, visual elements, and audio elements.

Results

The majority of the participants, 93.75%, were in the low socioeconomic stratum; 68.75% are in a civil union with their partner; 53.12% completed or failed to complete secondary school, and 68.75% were housewives. Based on the qualitative results, we found that mobile applications become mediating tools that support the adoption of actions that tend to improve lifestyles and increase knowledge about proper nutrition and physical activity. Text messages used in mobile applications should promote healthy habits and remind users of their benefits. Images and videos should be accompanied by text and audio to provide greater clarity regarding recommendations of healthy habits.

Conclusions

Technology must provide accessibility and coverage opportunities, while meeting the needs and expectations of users. It should facilitate primary health intervention through education to transform unhealthy behaviors and generate lifestyles that improve the health of the user and their family context.

Assessment of remote patient monitoring (RPM) systems for patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study is to conduct an assessment of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) systems compared to usual care for controlling glycosylated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The study was a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. A systematic search was performed via the most important electronic databases of medical resources, such as PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane library. The main outcome was HbA1C. The heterogeneity sources were examined using Chi-square (Q) and I2 tests. Meta-analyses were done using Stata version 11 software. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Random effects model was used in meta-analysis, and the heterogeneity more than 50% was considered as significant.

RESULTS

The results of the systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that the effect size index (Difference of Pre-test/Post-test Control Design-2nd method "using pooled pretest SD" (DPPC2)) among users of RPM for type 2 diabetic patients was -0.32 with a confidence interval of 95% (from -0.45 to -0.19) as compared to the control group. The current study declared a vital role of RPM technology in reduction of hemoglobin glycogen levels. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that RPM is more effective for patients who are residents of cities, having intervention lengths less than 6 months, getting the orders from the physician and using the websites as their intervention type.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicted the efficacy of RPM in reducing HbA1c among type 2 diabetic patients, which could be a base for policymakers to decide on the introduction of this technology in Iran.

Diabetes digital app technology: benefits, challenges, and recommendations. A consensus report by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Technology Working Group

Digital health technology, especially digital and health applications ('apps'), have been developing rapidly to help people manage their diabetes. Numerous health-related apps provided on smartphones and other wireless devices are available to support people with diabetes who need to adopt either lifestyle interventions or medication adjustments in response to glucose-monitoring data. However, regulations and guidelines have not caught up with the burgeoning field to standardise how mobile health apps are reviewed and monitored for patient safety and clinical validity. The available evidence on the safety and effectiveness of mobile health apps, especially for diabetes, remains limited. The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have therefore conducted a joint review of the current landscape of available diabetes digital health technology (only stand-alone diabetes apps, as opposed to those that are integral to a regulated medical device, such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and automated insulin delivery systems) and practices of regulatory authorities and organisations. We found that, across the USA and Europe, mobile apps intended to manage health and wellness are largely unregulated unless they meet the definition of medical devices for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes. International organisations, including the International Medical Device Regulators Forum and WHO, have made strides in classifying different types of digital health technology and integrating digital health technology into the field of medical devices. As the diabetes digital health field continues to develop and become more fully integrated into everyday life, we wish to ensure that it is based on the best evidence for safety and efficacy. As a result, we bring to light several issues that the diabetes community, including regulatory authorities, policymakers, professional organisations, researchers, people with diabetes and healthcare professionals, needs to address to ensure that diabetes health technology can meet its full potential. These issues range from inadequate evidence on app accuracy and clinical validity to lack of training provision, poor interoperability and standardisation, and insufficient data security. We conclude with a series of recommended actions to resolve some of these shortcomings.

Diabetes Digital App Technology: Benefits, Challenges, and Recommendations. A Consensus Report by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Technology Working Group

Digital health technology, especially digital and health applications ("apps"), have been developing rapidly to help people manage their diabetes. Numerous health-related apps provided on smartphones and other wireless devices are available to support people with diabetes who need to adopt either lifestyle interventions or medication adjustments in response to glucose-monitoring data. However, regulations and guidelines have not caught up with the burgeoning field to standardize how mobile health apps are reviewed and monitored for patient safety and clinical validity. The available evidence on the safety and effectiveness of mobile health apps, especially for diabetes, remains limited. The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have therefore conducted a joint review of the current landscape of available diabetes digital health technology (only stand-alone diabetes apps, as opposed to those that are integral to a regulated medical device, such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and automated insulin delivery systems) and practices of regulatory authorities and organizations. We found that, across the U.S. and Europe, mobile apps intended to manage health and wellness are largely unregulated unless they meet the definition of medical devices for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes. International organizations, including the International Medical Device Regulators Forum and the World Health Organization, have made strides in classifying different types of digital health technology and integrating digital health technology into the field of medical devices. As the diabetes digital health field continues to develop and become more fully integrated into everyday life, we wish to ensure that it is based on the best evidence for safety and efficacy. As a result, we bring to light several issues that the diabetes community, including regulatory authorities, policy makers, professional organizations, researchers, people with diabetes, and health care professionals, needs to address to ensure that diabetes health technology can meet its full potential. These issues range from inadequate evidence on app accuracy and clinical validity to lack of training provision, poor interoperability and standardization, and insufficient data security. We conclude with a series of recommended actions to resolve some of these shortcomings.

Supporting Good Intentions With Good Evidence: How to Increase the Benefits of Diabetes Social Media

Social media provides a platform for easily accessible, relevant health information and emotional and practical support at the touch of a button for millions of people with diabetes. Therein however lies a challenge. The accuracy and reliability of such information is often unknown and unverified, not all interactions are deemed supportive; practically or emotionally, and not all members of society have equitable access. Cyber bullying, requests for personal information and uninvited sharing are among the risks associated with social media, yet the use of online social media is increasing exponentially. Such reliance on web-based health information has given rise to concerns about patients' ability to accurately assess the credibility of online sources as well as the potential detrimental effect on personal well-being and patient-provider relations. In addition, there are rising digital disparities for particular subpopulations. Further, these concerns apply to where and how health care professionals should engage or refer patients to in terms of platforms of online support. There is little doubt regarding the popularity of social media, both within and outside of the health arena but there are also concerns. This article outlines five key areas associated with social media use in people living with diabetes and presents potential considerations moving forward. We focus on (1) social media as a platform for information and support; (2) social media interactions that are not supportive; (3) lessons from the DOC; (4) concerns about accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of information; and (5) differing priorities of health care professionals and patients.

Enablers and barriers to effective diabetes self-management: A multi-national investigation

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to identify the common gaps in skills and self-efficacy for diabetes self-management and explore other factors which serve as enablers of, and barriers to, achieving optimal diabetes self-management. The information gathered could provide health professionals with valuable insights to achieving better health outcomes with self-management education and support for diabetes patients.

METHODS

International online survey and telephone interviews were conducted on adults who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The survey inquired about their skills and self-efficacy in diabetes self-management, while the interviews assessed other enablers of, and barriers to, diabetes self-management. Surveys were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Survey participants (N = 217) had type 1 diabetes (38.2%) or type 2 diabetes (61.8%), with a mean age of 44.56 SD 11.51 and were from 4 continents (Europe, Australia, Asia, America). Identified gaps in diabetes self-management skills included the ability to: recognize and manage the impact of stress on diabetes, exercise planning to avoid hypoglycemia and interpreting blood glucose pattern levels. Self-efficacy for healthy coping with stress and adjusting medications or food intake to reach ideal blood glucose levels were minimal. Sixteen participants were interviewed. Common enablers of diabetes self-management included: (i) the will to prevent the development of diabetes complications and (ii) the use of technological devices. Issues regarding: (i) frustration due to dynamic and chronic nature of diabetes (ii) financial constraints (iii) unrealistic expectations and (iv) work and environment-related factors limited patients' effective self-management of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational reinforcement using technological devices such as mobile application has been highlighted as an enabler of diabetes self-management and it could be employed as an intervention to alleviate identified gaps in diabetes self-management. Furthermore, improved approaches that address financial burden, work and environment-related factors as well as diabetes distress are essential for enhancing diabetes self-management.

Patient-Driven Diabetes Care of the Future in the Technology Era

The growing burden of diabetes is fueled by obesity-inducing lifestyle behaviors including high-calorie diets and lack of physical activity. Challenges in access to diabetes specialists and educators, low adherence to medications, and inadequate motivational support for proper disease self-management contribute to poor glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Simultaneously, high patient volumes and low reimbursement rates limit physicians' time spent on lifestyle behavior counseling. These barriers to efficient diabetes care lead to high rates of diabetes-related complications, driving healthcare costs up and reducing the quality of patients' lives. Considering recent advancements in healthcare delivery technologies such as smartphone applications, telemedicine, m-health, device connectivity, machine-learning technology, and artificial intelligence, there is significant opportunity to achieve better efficiency in diabetes care and increase patient involvement in diabetes self-management, which ultimately may put an end to soaring diabetes-related healthcare expenditures. This review explores the patient-driven diabetes care of the future in the technology era.

Popular Diabetes Apps and the Impact of Diabetes App Use on Self-Care Behaviour: A Survey Among the Digital Community of Persons With Diabetes on Social Media

Introduction: This study aimed to identify popular diabetes applications (apps) and to investigate the association of diabetes app use and other factors with cumulative self-care behaviour. Methods: From November 2017 to March 2018, we conducted a web-based survey with persons 18 years of age and above. We recruited respondents via diabetes Facebook groups, online patient-forums and targeted Facebook advertisements (ads). Data on participants' demographic, clinical, and self-management characteristics, as well as on self-care behaviour and characteristics of the diabetes apps use were collected. Self-care behaviour was measured using a licensed version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire. The cumulative self-care score was calculated by summing up scores for "general diet," "specific diet," "exercise," "blood glucose testing," "foot care" and "smoking." To identify popular diabetes apps, users were requested to list all apps they use for diabetes self-management. Two sample t-test and multiple linear regression stratified by type of diabetes were performed to examine associations between app use and self-care behaviour, by controlling for key confounders. Results: One thousand fifty two respondents with type 1 and 630 respondents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) entered the survey. More than half, 549 (52.2%), and one third, 210 (33.3%), of respondents with type 1 and 2 DM, respectively, reported using diabetes apps for self-management. "mySugr" and continuous glucose monitoring apps, such as "Dexcom," "Freestyle Libre," and "Xdrip+" were some of the most popular diabetes apps. In both respondent groups, the cumulative self-care behaviour score was significantly higher among diabetes app users (compared to non-users) and scores for three individual self-care components, namely "blood glucose monitoring," "general diet," and "physical activity" were significantly higher among diabetes app users than among non-users. After adjusting for confounding factors, diabetes app use increased the cumulative self-care score by 1.08 (95%CI: 0.46-1.7) units among persons with type 1 DM and by 1.18 (95%CI: 0.26-2.09) units among persons with type 2 DM, respectively. Conclusion: For both, persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, using diabetes apps for self-management was positively associated with self-care behaviour. Our findings suggest that apps can support changes in lifestyle and glucose monitoring in these populations.

The Impact of the mKidney mHealth System on Live Donor Follow-Up Compliance: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Every year, more than 5500 healthy people in the United States donate a kidney for the medical benefit of another person. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) requires transplant hospitals to monitor living kidney donors (LKDs) for 2 years postdonation. However, the majority (115/202, 57%) of transplant hospitals in the United States continue to fail to meet nationally mandated requirements for LKD follow-up. A novel method for collecting LKD follow-up is needed to ease both the transplant hospital-level and patient-level burden. We built mKidney—a mobile health (mHealth) system designed specifically to facilitate the collection and reporting of OPTN-required LKD follow-up data. The mKidney mobile app was developed on the basis of input elicited from LKDs, transplant providers, and thought leaders.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the mKidney smartphone app on LKD follow-up rates.

Methods

We will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with LKDs who undergo LKD transplantation at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Eligible participants will be recruited in-person by a study team member at their 1-week postdonation clinical visit and randomly assigned to the intervention or control arm (1:1). Participants in the intervention arm will receive the mHealth intervention (mKidney), and participants in the control arm will receive the current standard of follow-up care. Our primary outcome will be policy-defined complete (all components addressed) and timely (60 days before or after the expected visit date) submission of LKD follow-up data at required 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year visits. Our secondary outcome will be hospital-level compliance with OPTN reporting requirements at each visit. Data analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Additionally, we will collect quantitative and qualitative process data regarding the implementation of the mKidney system.

Results

We began recruitment for this RCT in May 2018. We plan to enroll 400 LKDs over 2 years and follow participants for the 2-year mandated follow-up period.

Conclusions

This pilot RCT will evaluate the impact of the mKidney system on rates of LKD and hospital compliance with OPTN-mandated LKD follow-up at a large LKD transplant hospital. It will provide valuable information on strategies for implementing such a system in a clinical setting and inform effect sizes for future RCT sample size calculations.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/11000

Assessing the Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding the Use of Mobile Health Technologies for Living Kidney Donor Follow-Up: Survey Study

BACKGROUND

In 2013, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network began requiring transplant centers in the United States to collect and report postdonation living kidney donor follow-up data at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Despite this requirement, <50% of transplant centers have been able to collect and report the required data. Previous work identified a number of barriers to living kidney donor follow-up, including logistical and administrative barriers for transplant centers and cost and functional barriers for donors. Novel smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) technologies might reduce the burden of living kidney donor follow-up for centers and donors. However, the attitudes and perceptions toward the incorporation of mHealth into postdonation care among living kidney donors are unknown. Understanding donor attitudes and perceptions will be vital to the creation of a patient-oriented mHealth system to improve living donor follow-up in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess living kidney donor attitudes and perceptions associated with the use of mHealth for follow-up.

METHODS

We developed and administered a cross-sectional 14-question survey to 100 living kidney donors at our transplant center. All participants were part of an ongoing longitudinal study of long-term outcomes in living kidney donors. The survey included questions on smartphone use, current health maintenance behaviors, accessibility to health information, and attitudes toward using mHealth for living kidney donor follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 100 participants surveyed, 94 owned a smartphone (35 Android, 58 iPhone, 1 Blackberry), 37 had accessed their electronic medical record on their smartphone, and 38 had tracked their exercise and physical activity on their smartphone. While 77% (72/93) of participants who owned a smartphone and had asked a medical question in the last year placed the most trust with their doctors, nurses, or other health care professionals regarding answering a health-related question, 52% (48/93) most often accessed health information elsewhere. Overall, 79% (74/94) of smartphone-owning participants perceived accessing living kidney donor information and resources on their smartphone as useful. Additionally, 80% (75/94) perceived completing some living kidney donor follow-up via mHealth as useful. There were no significant differences in median age (60 vs 59 years; P=.65), median years since donation (10 vs 12 years; P=.45), gender (36/75, 36%, vs 37/75, 37%, male; P=.57), or race (70/75, 93%, vs 18/19, 95%, white; P=.34) between those who perceived mHealth as useful for living kidney donor follow-up and those who did not, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, smartphone ownership was high (94/100, 94.0%), and 79% (74/94) of surveyed smartphone-owning donors felt that it would be useful to complete their required follow-up with an mHealth tool, with no significant differences by age, sex, or race. These results suggest that patients would benefit from an mHealth tool to perform living donor follow-up.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Informed Advisory System with Automated Titration and Dosing of Insulin Reduces Glucose Variability in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Glucose variability (GV) remains a key limiting factor in the success of diabetes management. While new technologies, for example, accurate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and connected insulin delivery devices, are now available, current treatment standards fail to leverage the wealth of information generated. Expert systems, from automated insulin delivery to advisory systems, are a key missing element to richer, more personalized, glucose management in diabetes.

METHODS

Twenty four subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 15 women, 37 ± 11 years of age, hemoglobin A1c 7.2% ± 1%, total daily insulin (TDI) 46.7 ± 22.3 U, using either an insulin pump or multiple daily injections with carbohydrate counting, completed two randomized crossover 48-h visits at the University of Virginia, wearing Dexcom G4 CGM, and using either usual care or the UVA decision support system (DSS). DSS consisted of a combination of automated insulin titration, bolus calculation, and CHO treatment advice. During each admission, participants were exposed to a variety of meal sizes and contents and two 45-min bouts of exercise. GV and glucose control were assessed using CGM.

RESULTS

The use of DSS significantly reduced GV (coefficient of variation: 0.36 ± 08. vs. 0.33 ± 0.06, P = 0.045) while maintaining glycemic control (average CGM: 155.2 ± 27.1 mg/dL vs. 155.2 ± 23.2 mg/dL), by reducing hypoglycemia exposure (%<70 mg/dL: 3.8% ± 4.6% vs. 1.8% ± 2%, P = 0.018), with nonsignificant trends toward reduction of significant hyperglycemia overnight (%>250 mg/dL: 5.3% ± 9.5% vs. 1.9% ± 4.6%) and at mealtime (11.3% ± 14.8% vs. 5.8% ± 9.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

A CGM/insulin informed advisory system proved to be safe and feasible in a cohort of 24 T1DM subjects. Use of the system may result in reduced GV and improved protection against hypoglycemia.