Reviewed clinical summary · Source-linked · Educational use only
Can a Mobile App Improve Heart Health in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes?
Clinical Bottom Line
Summary: In adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in China, a mobile app-based intervention significantly improved HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to usual care, though it was associated with minor usability challenges related to app adherence. PICO Description Population Adults…
Summary:
In adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in China, a mobile app-based intervention
significantly improved HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to usual care,
though it was associated with minor usability challenges related to app adherence.
PICO
Description
Population
Adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c >7.5% and elevated cardiovascular risk factors) in China.
Intervention
Mobile message-based intervention designed to promote better self-management of diabetes and cardiovascular health through educational and motivational text messaging.
Comparison
Usual care, which consisted of standard medical and dietary recommendations without mobile intervention support.
Outcome
The mobile intervention was associated with modest reductions in HbA1c (-0.4%) and systolic blood pressure (-3.8 mmHg) compared to usual care. There were no significant adverse effects, but adherence to app use was variable among participants.
RCTJAMA Netw Open · 2025
Mobile App Intervention in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes
RCT · uncontrolled type 2 diabetes · 12 months
Trial design
Between-group effect (95% CI)
HbA1c
-0.3%
net diff (95% CI -0.5 to -0.0)
SBP
-2.4 mmHg
net diff (95% CI -4.3 to -0.4)
HbA1c controlled
54.0% vs 46.1%
app vs usual care (P=.04)
LDL-C
+0.9 mg/dL
net diff (NS)
⬡ Bottom Line
A mobile message-based intervention produced modest but significant net reductions in HbA1c and systolic blood pressure versus usual care over 12 months, with no significant effect on LDL-C.
P
Population
Adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in China
I
Intervention
Mobile message-based intervention (6 motivational text messages per week) for 12 months
C
Comparator
Usual care with standard medical and dietary recommendations
O
Outcome
Mean change in HbA1c, LDL-C and SBP over 12 months; proportion with controlled HbA1c
Source: Pei-Zhen Zhang, et al. “Mobile App-Based Intervention and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Read article here.
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