LONDON: Smartphone apps could offer patients with type 2 diabetes a highly effective method of self-managing their condition, new research has claimed.
A systematic review of 14 previous studies found that all had reported a reduction in average blood glucose levels in patients that used an app, compared to those who did not, with an approximate reduction in HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) of about 0.5%.
The analysis also found that younger patients were more likely to report a benefit. No evidence was found to support the use of apps in type 1 diabetes, but further research is needed to substantiate this, researchers said.
“With the number of patients globally with diabetes expected to rise to over 500 million by 2030, there is an urgent need for better self-management tools,” said Dr Ben Carter from Cardiff University’s School of Medicine in the UK.
Diabetes management includes monitoring and managing blood glucose levels.
Current diabetes apps allow patients to enter data and provide feedback on improved management.
