The researchers — led by Rosie Dobson, a population health researcher at University of Auckland in New Zealand — identified 115 patients with Type 1 diabetes between the ages of 16 and 24. All of the patients reported they owned a mobile phone, 96 percent of which were smartphones.
Only 33 percent of patients had used an app for diabetes management in the past. However, the most common reason for not using a diabetes app was lack of awareness that they existed. The majority (63 percent) reported wanting to learn more about diabetes self-management, and 64 percent reported being interested in receiving diabetes self-management support through text message communication.
“Current engagement with mHealth in this population appears low,” according to the study. “mHealth has potential to provide information and support to this population, utilizing mediums commonplace for this group and with greater reach than traditional methods.”
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