Mobile phone applications and self-management of diabetes: a systematic review with meta-analysis, meta-regression of 21 randomized trials, and GRADE

We conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of diabetes apps. 1550 participants from 21 studies were included. For type 1 diabetes, a significant 0.49% reduction in HbA1c was seen (95%CI 0.04 to 0.94; I2=84%), with unexplained heterogeneity and a low GRADE of evidence. For type 2 diabetes, using diabetes apps was associated with a mean reduction of 0.57% (95%CI 0.32 to 0.82, I2=77%). The results had severe heterogeneity that was explained by the frequency of HCP feedback. In studies with no HCP feedback, low frequency, and high frequency HCP feedback, the mean reduction is 0.24% (95%CI ‐0.02 to 0.49; I2=0%), 0.33% (95%CI 0.07 to 0.59; I2=47%), and 1.12% (95%CI 0.91 to 1.32; I2=0%) respectively, with high GRADE of evidence. There is evidence that diabetes apps improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes patients. A reduction of 0.57% in HbA1c was found in type 2 diabetes patients. However, HCP functionality is important to achieve clinical effectiveness. Futures studies need to explore the cost‐effectiveness of diabetes apps and optimal intensity of HCP feedback.