JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Controlling HbA1c can be challenging in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Peer support promotes HbA1c control, and digital peer-supported applications designed for group interactions may enable patients with T2DM to encourage one another to achieve better HbA1c control. However, no studies have investigated the use of digital peer-supported applications to control the HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM.

Objective:

This pilot study aimed to explore the effects of a digital peer-supported application on HbA1c control in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

This prospective, single-arm pilot study enrolled patients with T2DM who owned smartphones and visited medical institutions in Japan. During the 3-month intervention, participants used a digital peer-supported application in addition to receiving standard care. The application allows participants to share activity logs and concerns via a chat function to improve their HbA1c levels through mutual engagement and encouragement. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c levels measured at healthcare facilities at baseline and after 3 months. The secondary outcomes were body weight and blood pressure, and the most recent data were obtained from hospitals and clinics. Physical activity (≥1 h/day) was assessed at the same time points using a self-reported questionnaire.

Results:

The study included 21 participants with a median age of 56 years (interquartile range: 51–61 years), of whom 61.9% were female. After using the digital peer-supported application for 3-months, the participants' HbA1c levels significantly decreased from 7.1% ± 0.6% at baseline to 6.9% ± 0.1% (P < 0.05). Similarly, weight decreased from 70.7 ± 12.7 kg to 69.9 ± 12.4 kg (P < 0.05). Although blood pressure decreased slightly from 128.2 ± 12.5 mmHg to 126.0 ± 12.9 mmHg, this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.20). Additionally, the proportion of participants engaging in ≥1 h of daily exercise significantly increased from 23.5% to 58.5% (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Using a digital peer-supported application, in addition to receiving standard clinical care, may significantly lower HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM by promoting healthy behaviors.