Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting many people globally and is a significant health concern. Health services are focusing on managing the rising incidence of diabetes and its complications. A novel mobile health (mHealth) intervention intends to assist diabetics in managing the levels of their blood sugar and improving self-care. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of short message service (SMS) and mobile app interventions on patients' capacity to improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. METHOD: A targeted search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2014 to 2024 that evaluated the effects of mobile apps and SMS-based self-care interventions on individuals with poorly managed diabetes. RESULT: A rigorous review identified nineteen studies for analysis. Fifteen of these studies showed a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c levels in the intervention group, compared to baseline measurements. In contrast, control groups did not exhibit the same level of reduction, resulting in a significant difference between intervention and control groups over time. This suggests that the interventions were effective in lowering HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION: Improving glycemic levels in inadequately managed diabetes is crucial. Better blood sugar management enhances patient well-being and lowers healthcare costs, making targeted interventions essential for improved outcomes and healthcare efficiency. When developing support services and educational programs for diabetes self-management, considering value-based care and public health models, it is important for organizations, diabetes educators, legislators, and funders to carefully consider these solutions.