A MOBILE APP–BASED messaging programme led to meaningful reductions in blood sugar and blood pressure over 12 months in adults with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes, according to a Chinese randomised clinical trial. The results suggest digital interventions could help manage cardiovascular risks alongside usual care.
Managing diabetes effectively requires ongoing lifestyle changes and strict adherence to medication, yet many adults still struggle to keep blood sugar and blood pressure in check. Mobile health strategies, such as text-based interventions, offer an accessible way to encourage better self-management.
The trial recruited 819 adults diagnosed with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes across five clinical centres in China. Around half received standard care, while the other half got six weekly messages via a mobile app for a year, designed to remind, motivate and guide patients in controlling blood sugar and managing cardiovascular risk factors. Key outcomes measured were haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). After 12 months, the intervention group showed greater improvements in HbA1c (falling by 2.8% compared with 2.5% in controls), and a reduction in SBP of 2.5 mm Hg compared with just 0.1 mm Hg in the control group. Differences in LDL-C fell slightly in both groups with no significant net benefit from the messaging intervention. Importantly, more participants in the intervention group achieved controlled HbA1c (54.0% vs 46.1%).
Clinicians should consider the value of digital interventions as part of comprehensive diabetes care, especially for those with poorly controlled disease and cardiovascular risk factors. Regular personalised reminders and health tips via an app may reinforce positive habits between appointments and support better outcomes.
Reference
Zhang P et al. Mobile app–based intervention and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(9):e2529762.
