WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
A team of Malaysian investigators offer some good news for people that find it challenging to manage type 2 diabetes on a daily basis.
WHAT DID THE INVESTIGATORS DO?
The investigators worked with 111 participants that have type 2 diabetes. The participants are separated into 2 groups.
One group enrolled into a subscription programme called SugO365, a personalized care service based on self-recorded blood glucose values.
- Each of these participants received a glucometer connected to a mobile app to help them track their blood sugar levels.
- Over the next 6 months, virtual follow-ups allow healthcare professionals to provide these participants with personalized advice based on these participants’ blood sugar level readings.
- Participants also attended educational sessions on how to better manage their diabetes.
The remaining participants enrolled in a control group that was more ‘old school’:
- They received regular offline education session at the pharmacy outlets they attended.
- Their body weight, blood glucose, and HbA1c were assessed, and diabetes education was provided on topics such as complications and the importance of management.
- Dietary counselling focused on balanced nutrition and a diabetic diet were also provided.
- Scheduled appointments for monitoring and follow-up were arranged every 3 months, with data collection carried out at the same time.
The investigators measured the participants’ blood sugar levels (using HbA1c tests) and quality of life using a survey called SF-36. They checked in with the participants at the start of the study, after 3 months, and at the 6-month mark.
WHAT THE INVESTIGATORS FOUND
Better Blood Sugar Control
- Participants in the SugO365 group saw their HbA1c levels drop from 7.7% to 7.3% in 6 months.
- On the other hand, the control group’s levels HbA1c increased from 7.7% to 8.1%.
Improved Quality of Life
- The SugO365 group reported better emotional well-being, scoring 86.3 in the “Role Emotional” category by the end of the study, compared to 62.8 at the start.
- The study also found that better blood sugar control might improve physical function, showing a small but meaningful link between the two.
WHAT DOES THIS FINDING MEAN FOR US?
This study shows that using technology alongside personalized care can make a real difference. With tools like smart glucometers and apps, people with diabetes can take better control of their health and enjoy a better quality of life.
THE NEXT STEPS
As the prevalence of T2DM rises, interventions such as SugO365 could become an essential part of diabetes care in Malaysia.
Hence, the investigators call for more research to be conducted on this matter, involving more participants and longer follow-ups to confirm the benefits and assess cost-effectiveness of programmes such as SugO365.
Reference: Johari, S. M., Razalli, N. H., Chua, K. J., & Shahar, S. (2024). The efficacy of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) intervention package through a subscription model among type-2 diabetes mellitus in Malaysia: A preliminary trial. Diabetology & metabolic syndrome, 16(1), 135. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-024-01379-9
