Technology-Based Interventions to Promote Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors for Persons Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management is complex and requires daily personal involvement and self-management skills to maintain optimal glycemic levels and improve health outcomes. Engagement in self-management behaviors in the early years of diagnosis can be challenging due to prevailing psychosocial factors present during this critical transition period, coupled with a lack of information, support, and skills. Technology-based diabetes self-management interventions can improve access to needed education and support, and their effectiveness in the general T2D population is well documented. This scoping review synthesized evidence on the use of technology for promoting diabetes self-management behaviors and related outcomes among individuals newly diagnosed with T2D (within the first 12 months since diagnosis).

Recent findings: Twenty-five studies were included. Technology-based diabetes self-management interventions tailored to those newly diagnosed with T2D have grown exponentially in the past five years. Existing evidence, though limited, showed that technologies such as websites, mobile apps, and continuous glucose monitoring combined with other communication features, can facilitate patient education, patient-provider communication, and health data monitoring. However, these technologies less commonly involved social support functions. These technologies have the potential to improve diabetes knowledge and positively impact clinical, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. However, small sample sizes, use of non-experimental designs, and the absence of formative research and theoretical foundations limit the strength of existing studies. Technology-based self-management interventions for those newly diagnosed with T2D show promise in improving T2D-related outcomes. Future studies should include larger sample sizes, adopt rigorous study designs, and integrate formative work to enhance relevance, adoption, and impact.