Mobile diabetes management software may help people with type 2 diabetes lower their HbA1c scores
A number of new smartphone applications claim to help individuals who have chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes manage their condition, but do these tools really work?
According to a recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care, they do.
The research involved more than 160 participants with type 2 diabetes who used a mobile software, which provided real-time feedback on their blood sugar levels - which was obtained electronically through a wireless connection between their phone and blood glucose monitor - as well as scheduled medication reminders and diabetes management tips. When results indicated that an individual's blood sugar levels were too high or too low, the program would instruct the user on how to improve their readings. It also kept a record of the person's blood sugar levels, which was sent electronically to his or her healthcare provider along with personalized treatment recommendations.
Participants used this software over the course of one year, at which point the study's results showed that the subjects were able to reduce their HbA1c levels by 1.9 percent, on average.
"The 1.9 percent decrease in A1c that we saw in this research is significant. Previous randomized clinical trials have suggested that just a 1 percent decrease in A1c will prevent complications of diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure," said lead researcher Charlene C. Quinn.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals who have type 2 diabetes should have their HbA1c levels checked at least two times each year in order to ascertain whether or not their diabetes management plan has been effective over the previous three months. Patients who have diabetic complications should receive these types of screening more frequently, the organization notes.
According to a recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care, they do.
The research involved more than 160 participants with type 2 diabetes who used a mobile software, which provided real-time feedback on their blood sugar levels - which was obtained electronically through a wireless connection between their phone and blood glucose monitor - as well as scheduled medication reminders and diabetes management tips. When results indicated that an individual's blood sugar levels were too high or too low, the program would instruct the user on how to improve their readings. It also kept a record of the person's blood sugar levels, which was sent electronically to his or her healthcare provider along with personalized treatment recommendations.
Participants used this software over the course of one year, at which point the study's results showed that the subjects were able to reduce their HbA1c levels by 1.9 percent, on average.
"The 1.9 percent decrease in A1c that we saw in this research is significant. Previous randomized clinical trials have suggested that just a 1 percent decrease in A1c will prevent complications of diabetes, including heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure," said lead researcher Charlene C. Quinn.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals who have type 2 diabetes should have their HbA1c levels checked at least two times each year in order to ascertain whether or not their diabetes management plan has been effective over the previous three months. Patients who have diabetic complications should receive these types of screening more frequently, the organization notes.
First published on: August 2, 2011
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