Effectiveness of a newly developed YouTube diabetes education: A multicentre randomized controlled trial
https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.041.S1
- Author:
Phei Ching Lim
1
;
Yi Woei Tang
1
;
Jia Hui Cheng
1
;
Leong Seng Tan
2
;
Hooi Hoon Tan
3
;
Chong Hui Khaw
4
Author Information
1. Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Pulau Pinang
2. Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Bukit Mertajam
3. Department of Pharmacy, Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Dua
4. Department of Medical, Hospital Pulau Pinang
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Social Media;
Diabetes Mellitus
- From:
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies
2026;41(S1):7-
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Adequate knowledge of diabetes is essential for effective self-management and glycemic control. Emerging trends in
digital platforms, video-based education offer a scalable and accessible approach to patient learning. However, evidence
on the effectiveness of validated YouTube-based diabetes education in the Malaysian population remains limited. We
aimed to evaluate the impact of a newly developed, tri-language YouTube diabetes education programme on clinical and
knowledge outcomes.
Methodology:In this multicentre study, patients with diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to intervention (YouTube-based education)
and control groups (standard care). The intervention consisted of newly developed and validated short educational videos
on YouTube regarding diabetes, complications and lifestyle changes, delivered weekly via WhatsApp over 9 weeks. Videos
were available in English, Malay and Chinese. The control group received standard care and counseling. Demographic
data, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and knowledge scores were collected at baseline and 3 months post-intervention.
Results:A total of 109 patients (62.4% female; mean age 53.2 years; mean diabetes duration 16.3 years) were enrolled in the
study, with similar baseline characteristics between groups. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater
improvement in glycemic control compared to the control group (HbA1c: −1.22 ± 1.36% vs. −0.24 ± 1.05%; p <0.001). While
knowledge scores improved in both groups, the increase was significantly greater in the intervention group (2.66 vs. 0.80;
p = 0.001). Notably, improvement in knowledge score predicted HbA1c reduction (b = 0.091; 95% CI 0.01, 0.172; p = 0.028).
Conclusion:The tri-language YouTube-based diabetes education programme significantly improved both glycemic control and patients’
knowledge. This accessible, scalable video-based education represents an effective strategy to enhance diabetes selfmanagement, offering flexible, on-demand learning for diverse populations.
- Full text:2026072809335283433BP_A001.pdf
