Association Between Mobile Health App Engagement and Weight Loss and Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes (D’LITE Study): Prospective Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.2196/35039
• Publication Date: 2022-09-30T13:30:29Z
• Authors: Su Lin Lim; Melissa Hui Juan Tay; Kai Wen Ong; Jolyn Johal; Qai Ven Yap; Yiong Huak Chan; Genevieve Kai Nin...; Chin Meng Khoo; Alison Yaxley
• Keywords: Prediabetes; Glycated hemoglobin

Background Mobile health apps are increasingly used as early intervention to support behavior change for diabetes prevention and control, with the overarching goal of lowering overall disease burden. Objective This prospective cohort study conducted in Singapore aimed investigate app engagement features their association weight loss improved glycemic control among adults prediabetes from arm Diabetes Lifestyle Intervention using Technology Empowerment randomized controlled trial. Methods participants (N=171) a median age 52 years, BMI 29.3 kg/m2, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level 6.5% who were being assigned Nutritionist Buddy included. Body HbA1c measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months. A total 476,300 data points on daily tracked via backend dashboard developer’s report. The analyzed by quartiles weekly means expressed days per week. Linear mixed model analysis was determine associations between engagements percentage change. Results rate maintained above 90% Participants actively engaged ≥5 associated greatest reduction 10.6% baseline (mean difference −6, 95% CI −8.9 −3.2; P<.001) Adhering carbohydrate limit >5.9 week choosing healthier food options >4.3 had most impact, eliciting 9.1% −5.2, −8.2 −2.2; P=.001) 8.8% −4.2, −7.1 −1.3; P=.005), respectively. Among diabetes, those complete meal log >5.1 or kept within each achieved greater reductions 1.2% (SD 1.3%; SD 1.5%), compared 0.2% 1%; 0.6%). reference groups <1.1 ≤2.5 week, Conclusions Higher led overweight obesity type 2 prediabetes. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12617001112358; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12617001112358