Enhancing type 2 diabetes treatment through digital plans of care. First results from the East Cheshire Study of an App to support people in the management of type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION: The use of personalised care planning has been effective at improving health outcomes for people with long-term health conditions. METHODS: We analysed data in relation to changes in BMI/HbA1c. The sample was made up of (n = 36) participants randomised to either the active intervention group (App+usual care) or the control group (usual care). RESULTS: The average HbA1c percentage change for the treatment group was 9.5%, but just −2% for the control (usual care) group (P = 0.015 for the difference). The average percentage change in BMI for the treatment group was −0.4%, but 0.1% for the control group (P = 0.03 for the difference). CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings point to how the provision of personalised plans of care, support and education linked to a mobile app, can result in HbA1c and BMI reduction over a 6-month period. While the results are preliminary, they portend the potential for digital plans of care to enhance T2DM management.