OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of mySugr^TM app on diabetes self-management, HbA1c level and its acceptability among app users with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

A prospective, single-arm interventional study in 70 adult Filipino patients with T2DM and HbA1c ≥ 8.0%. Participants used the basic mySugr^TM mobile app for 12 weeks. The Modified Behavior Score Instrument and the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ) pre- and post-intervention measured its impact on diabetes self-management while the Mobile Application rating Scale (MARS) assessed the quality of the app.

RESULTS

There was a significant increased adherence to the diabetes self-care behaviors. DSMQ showed that only 12% of the participants had poor self-care behaviors at week 12 particularly in physical activity and diet. The baseline median HbA1c [9.55% (8.43-11.30)] and estimated HbA1c [8.9% (8.3-10.9)] declined significantly after week 12, [8.0% (8.0-8.43)] and [7.2% (6.5-8.1)] respectively with a very significant p value of (p < 0.00001). About 42% of patients achieved an HbA1c level of ≤7%. MARS confirmed the app’s good quality and acceptability.

CONCLUSION

Mobile application such as mySugr^TM mobile app can be a viable tool for improved self-care behavior and help in achieving good glycemic control among patients with poorly controlled T2DM even as early as 12 weeks. The app has good quality and acceptability.

Human ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

Introduction: Patients with diabetes require regular follow-ups to achieve optimal glycemic targets. The coronavirus- 19 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in interruptions in healthcare delivery placing greater importance on patient’s self-management of their condition. Telemedicine bridged the gap between the physician and patient that was created by community quarantines. Objective: To determine if there is a difference in patient’s self-care activities before and after using telemedicine using the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). Methodology: A descriptive repeated cross-sectional study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital who consulted via telemedicine using different available platforms were included. Self-care was measured using the DSMQ. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine was also assessed using a patient satisfaction survey. Results: An improvement in self-care practices was seen as significantly higher mean DSMQ scores after telemedicine consultations (6.79 ± 1.33 to 7.32 ± 1.21, p = 0.0015), with the highest scores on dietary control and physical activity. There was a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c on follow up (8.37 ± 2.31 to 7.31 ± 1.36; p<0.00001). Those with well-controlled diabetes (n = 14) at baseline remained to have good control while the proportion of those with poorly controlled diabetes (n = 34) showed improved glycemic control on follow up (p = 0.0045). Most patients were highly satisfied with telemedicine. Conclusion The use of telemedicine by patients with diabetes showed numerical improvement in both self-care practices and glycemic control. These findings imply that telemedicine may be mainstreamed as part of diabetes care among Filipinos.
COVID-19 ; Telemedicine