TDNet Discover

Diabetes is approaching epidemic proportions worldwide, impacting patients of all ages and clinicians in every healthcare setting. Mobile applications (apps) are increasingly popular within all aspects of health, from daily goals to dieting. Patients are seeking ways to manage their health in a modern way while primary care providers are trying to prevent diabetes-related complications. The purpose of this research is to identify how mobile technology can improve diabetes management in terms of education, compliance, and clinical outcomes. This research was a full systematic review of current literature. Several scholarly databases were utilized in the search, including PubMed, DISCOVER, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The following terms “diabetes,” “mobile app,” “education,” “technology,” “management,” and “type 2 diabetes” were utilized in combination to produce a literature search. Seven peer-reviewed articles were selected for review and analyzed for content. Results of the analysis revealed mobile applications for diabetics may reduce Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and increase education as well as motivation, but do not impact other outcomes. The research concludes the most successful diabetic mobile applications are comprehensive in nature and include self-data entry capability, in-app communication with a provider, and diabetes education modules. Patients felt most comfortable with the applications when a provider introduced the app in the office and demonstrated a tutorial, but providers do not feel confident integrating this into practice. Unfortunately, current mobile health applications are variable in effectiveness and userfriendliness. With complete mobile applications and proper training, providers and patients can create effective and comprehensive diabetic management plans to combat this disease.