Currently, there are a lot of free and low-cost diabetes self-management apps available. There is very little and heterogeneous scientific evidence on health outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a specific diabetes app (SOCIAL DIABETES) to improve glycemic control and other related outcomes.
149 people with type 1 diabetes were included in the randomized study in a control group receiving usual face-to-face clinical care (baseline, 3 and 6 months) and the intervention group with baseline visit and 6 months with incorporation into the use of the "social diabetes" app. All of them used the Glucomen areo glucometer. Analytical and clinical data including the download of glucometer and psychosocial data were collected at baseline and at 6 months along with a final survey of satisfaction.
149 patients participated, of which 130 completed the study (67 CG and 63 IG). The mean age was 39.11 years with 19 years of evolution, and baseline HbA1c 8.5 + -1.2%. Both groups improved Hba1c similarly at 6 months. The intervention group (baseline: 8.43%, SD 1.25, 6 months: 8.22%, SD 0.99), compared to the control group (baseline: 8.66%, SD 1.17, and 6 months 8.24 %, SD 1.24) . There was also improvement in the number of mild hypoglycemia, without differences between the two groups. In the psychosocial variables studied there are no differences between intra or intragroup.
The use of a smartphone application related to diabetes impacts metabolic control, and can help in the follow-up of our patients.