Efficacy of bolus insulin calculation by a mobile-based bolus advisor: An open label clinical trial

BACKGROUND: We investigated the efficacy of a mobile-based bolus advisor app in comparison with the usual multiple daily injections (MDIs) in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a nonrandomized, controlled clinical trial, 62 diabetic patients were selected to receive a 12-week intensive glycemic control by either a mobile-based bolus advisor (app) or MDI in the usual manner. We compared mean blood glucose (BG) and HbA1c before and just after the treatment program. The data were analyzed using paired sample t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (30 cases and 26 controls) completed the study. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] of BG was 220.57 (43.7) and 231.5 (55) in the app group and control group, respectively. Mean BG decreased 38 mg/dL in the app and 16 mg/dL in the control group (P = 0.001 and 0.049 respectively). Changes of mean BG were different between the two groups significantly (P = 0.039). HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.6% in the case and from 8.4% to 8% in the control group (P = 0.001 and 0.06, respectively). Changes of HbA1c were not different between the two groups (P = 0.141). The mean episodes of hypoglycemia were not different between the groups significantly (P = 0.108). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study revealed that mobile-based bolus advisors can reduce mean BG better in patients who are planned to have a tight glycemic control as a feasible and available method and may improve HbA1c in the long term.