Improving Diabetes Self management Using Digital Therapeutics: Insights into User Engagement from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Urban Aligarh

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus, one of the greatest contributors of global burden, and its aftermath necessitates a holistic perspective for its treatment and prevention. Self-Monitoring of Blood glucose encompasses all the fundamental principles and approaches of Diabetic management. Applying novel digital innovation in SMBG can improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.
Aims: To assess user engagement and acceptability of DTI and SMBG and also identify potential association with outcome results
Settings and Design: Randomized Controlled Trial in urban Aligarh
Methods and Material: After enrollment of 132 participants, they were allocated into 3 groups by randomization- (1) No SMBG (2) SMBG thrice weekly (3) thrice weekly SMBG users with digital feedback by Simple Random Sampling followed by Randomization. Data was captured on socio-demographic correlates at the begging of study and user engagement and feedback using Mobile Application Rating Score was collected at the end of study.
Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics
Results: Among those who received DTI along with SMBG, 72.5% of the users were highly engaged and 27.5% users were lowly engaged. More than half of the participants rated between 2 and 3 for most of the parameters. The difficulties faced by the participants while using the app, which were fear of security issues (59%), user issues (26%) and operational and technical issues (15%). Overall rating of the app was acceptable.
Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of SMBG and DTI to be a valuable adjunct to conventional diabetes management. It reinforces the need to bridge the gap between available technology and real-world application in patient care.