Effects of continuous care for patients with type 2 diabetes using mobile health application: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is a worldwide disorder that affects millions of people and can exert negative clinical and social effects on the patients. In some previous studies, mobile health applications have been used as a means of clinical intervention. However, the therapeutic effect of continuous care through mobile phone applications for patients with type 2 diabetes remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of continuous care for patients with type 2 diabetes using mobile health application by comparing traditional discharge nursing. METHODS: In total, 120 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into two groups: The test group received continuous care based on the mobile phone application (n = 60), and the control group received conventional care (n = 60). Primary clinical outcomes, such as Glycaemic Haemoglobin (GH) levels, blood glucose levels, self-care abilities, disease cognition abilities, and the number of readmissions, were examined in both groups. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvements pertaining to disease awareness levels (81.28 vs 71.34, P < .05), self-management abilities (9.14 vs 7.81, P < .05), GH (-1.50% vs -0.76%, P < .05), fast blood glucose (-3.23 vs -1.25 mmol/L, P < .05), postprandial blood glucose levels (-4.34 vs -2.34 mmol, P < .05), and control levels in the test group. Moreover, in the test group, the frequency of rehospitalisation was reduced during the intervention period, as was the average number of rehospitalisation within 6 months after discharge (-1.19 vs P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous care based on a mobile health application has potential as a management strategy for patients with type 2 diabetes.