Evaluating the mySugr diabetes app: A randomised controlled trial exploring changes in HbA1c and psychological outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract

Aim: The present study sought to explore if engagement with a commercially available diabetes app, mySugr, could facilitate improvement in glycaemic outcomes, diabetes self-care behaviours and psychological wellbeing compared to standard care among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: Participants were randomised to the intervention (n = 31) or control group (n = 32) and assessed at 12 weeks after baseline. Changes to blood glucose levels (HbA1c) was the primary outcome of interest in the present study. Secondary outcomes included diabetes self-care behaviours, diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes distress, psychological well-being and general stress. These outcomes were quantitatively assessed via self-report questionnaires. Qualitative accounts of user engagement with the app were also explored.

Results: Fifty-five participants completed the 12-week follow-up questionnaires. The intervention group demonstrated a lower HbA1c than the control group at 12-weeks, however this change was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference 4.20 mmol/mol, 95 % CI [-0.39,8.79], p = 0.072). Additionally, no significant changes across time or between-group differences were observed for secondary outcomes at 12 weeks. However, close to 80 % of participants in the intervention group reported using the app daily for 12 weeks, suggesting good user engagement. Further, users scored the app on average favourably on the uMARS scale (objective quality M=3.93, SD=0.55, subjective quality M=3.31, SD=0.99, perceived impact M=3.15, SD=1.25).

Conclusion: Results suggest that mySugr is an engaging diabetes app. Preliminary findings suggest that the mySugr app may assist users in improving glycaemic levels over 12 weeks, but the trends found in the present study did not reach statistical significance. Thus, the study needs to be replicated in a larger sample size with a longer follow-up period to more robustly ascertain the effects of mySugr on glycaemic outcomes and diabetes self-management.