A Mobile Application Designed for Adults at Risk of Developing Diabetes: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The primary aim of this study is to develop a prediabetes mobile application (PREDIABE-TR) designed in Turkish containing information and advice for individuals at risk of developing diabetes; the secondary aim is to determine whether the use of this application can make a difference in the participants’ eating according to the Mediterranean diet plan, or in their physical activity and other diabetes-related metabolic parameters. Methods: The adults in the experimental group will be using the PREDIABE-TR mobile application for a period of 6 months. The application consists of a pedometer, a diet diary, and sections on diabetes risk, an instructor and a body mass index calculator. Individuals can use the mobile app to contact a public health nurse or academic on a 24/7 basis. Public health nursing can thus perform a consulting role within this framework. Over the same period, the control group will use the Turkish Nutrition Guide and the Diabetes Checklists mobile application distributed by the Turkish Ministry of Health. At the end of the six-month period, a review will be made of the diabetes metabolic data, physical activity levels and the Mediterranean diet eating behaviors. Results: The benefits of interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle are evident in terms of preventing a transition from prediabetes to diabetes and maintaining present status. Conclusion: This study describes the effect of the use of a mobile application by individuals with prediabetes on metabolic parameters. If reductions can be achieved in metabolic parameters (such as HbA1c), it can be concluded that the mobile app is effective.

Keywords

• mediterranean diet
• metabolic variables
• mobile application
• physical activity
• prediabetes