Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Apr 18, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 24, 2025
The Impact of a Digital Peer-Supported App on Daily Steps and Lifestyle Changes Among Individuals with Prediabetes and Early-Stage Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective, Non-randomized Controlled Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Physical activity is a simple, low-risk intervention that can be integrated into daily life to improve glycemic control in individuals with prediabetes and early-stage type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, maintaining physical activity remains challenging, even when its benefits are well understood. Although digital peer support has the potential to promote and maintain physical activity, its effectiveness remains unexplored.
Objective:
This study examined the impact of a digital peer-supported app on daily step goal achievement and average daily step counts among individuals with prediabetes and early-stage T2DM.
Methods:
This three-month, prospective, non-randomized controlled trial recruited participants aged 40–79 years with prediabetes or early-stage T2DM. The participants were divided into a digital peer-supported app group and a control group. The digital peer-supported app group tracked their daily steps, shared their progress with small peer groups, and received real-time feedback and support within the app. The control group tracked their steps individually using pedometers. The primary outcome was the achievement rate of daily step goals. Secondary outcomes included the average daily step count, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c level, blood pressure, and self-reported lifestyle behaviors.
Results:
A total of 32 participants (digital peer-supported application group: n = 18; control group: n = 14) completed the study. The digital peer-supported app group reported a significantly higher median daily step goal achievement rate (57.2% vs. 26.7%, P < 0.05) and daily step count (6,854 vs. 3,946 steps, P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Although no significant differences were observed in HbA1c levels, blood pressure, or lifestyle behaviors, the digital peer-supported app group showed a trend toward a reduction in BMI (P = 0.07).
Conclusions:
Our findings provide real-world evidence that a digital peer-supported app effectively enhances daily step goal achievement and step counts among individuals with prediabetes and early-stage T2DM. The digital peer-supported app facilitated real-time feedback, peer approval, and continuous engagement to support participation in light physical activity. Clinical Trial: The trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000039466)
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Copyright
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