Abstract 111: Whatsapp for diabetes self management education (DSME) in type 1 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Background: WhatsApp can be used for Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) in Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Objectives: A randomized controlled trial to study the effect of WhatsApp based DSME on glycemic status, knowledge, quality of life and coping skills. Results: Type 1 diabetes patients (15-40 years) with WhatsApp were randomized into “Intervention” (n=28) who received weekly educational WhatsApp messages and “Sham” (n=28) who received weekly greeting messages. In addition, patients without access to WhatsApp formed “Control” group (n=10). The mean baseline HbA1c was 10.69±2.74. The primary objective was change in HbA1c from baseline at 16 week and 28 weeks in all 3 groups. The difference was significant between WhatsApp group and control group (P 0.003, mean square 1.453) but not significant between Intervention and Sham group. Knowledge improved significantly in the intervention group (p value 0.001) but there was no significant difference in the coping skills or quality of life score or hypoglycemia among 3 groups. Conclusion: Use of WhatsApp for DSME improves the HbA1c as compared to those who don’t use WhatsApp. Active WhatsApp intervention improved the knowledge but did not translate into improvement in glycemic control, coping skills or quality of life.