Integrated Diabetes Self-Management Program Using Smartphone Application: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study identified the effects of an integrated diabetes self-management program using smartphone application (app), based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model. A randomized comparison, using a pre-and post-test design, was conducted with 32 participants in the experimental group and 36 in the control group. The integrated diabetes self-management program consisted of face-to-face educational sessions, a diabetes self-management smartphone app, and phone counseling. In the experimental group, diabetes self-management knowledge (Z=-2.70, p=.007), social motivation (Z=-1.97, p=.048), and behavior (t=3.22, p=.002) improved, with their hemoglobin A1c (Z=-4.83, p<.001) decreasing compared to the control group. At the post-test, the experimental group's fasting blood sugar level (t=2.79, p=.009), total calorie intake (t=3.94, p=.001), carbohydrate intake (t=5.69, p<.001), and fat intake (t=2.54, p=.021) decreased compared to the pre-test. An integrated diabetes self-management program using smartphone app, based on the IMB model, should be utilized as a nursing intervention.

Automated summary

The study revealed that an integrated diabetes self-management program utilizing a smartphone app based on the IMB model significantly improved participants' self-management knowledge, social motivation, behavior, and reduced hemoglobin A1c levels. Fasting blood sugar levels and unhealthy dietary intake also decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. This highlights the effectiveness of using smartphone apps in diabetes management programs.