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A text message-based system can help improve diabetes control, researchers have found. The tailored self-management support programme has resulted in “modest improvements in diabetes control”, the New Zealand study showed.
The nine-month, two-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial conducted in primary and secondary healthcare services covered 366 participants aged ≥16 years with poorly controlled type 1 or type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥65mmol/mol or 8%). The randomised study took place between June 2015 and November 2016 (n=183 intervention, n=183 control).
The intervention group received a tailored package of text messages for up to nine months, in addition to usual care. Text messages provided information, support, motivation, and reminders related to diabetes self management and lifestyle behaviours. The control group received usual care. Messages were delivered by a specifically designed automated content management system.
Researchers found the main outcome was a change in glycaemic control (HbA1c) from baseline to nine months, and they concluded that a tailored, text message-based, self-management support programme resulted in improvements in glycaemic control in adults with poorly controlled diabetes.
