Impact of a Smartphone App on Diet and Health in Type 2 Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Sjöblom Linnea, Hantikainen Essi, Dahlgren Anna, Trolle Lagerros Ylva, Bonn Stephanie E.
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet
Hypothesis
Does a 12-week smartphone-based dietary education improve diet quality and cardiometabolic risk markers in people with type 2 diabetes?
Conclusion
The study found no effect on overall diet quality, but the smartphone app may help reduce dietary fat intake and lower triglyceride levels.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention group had a significant reduction in saturated and unsaturated fat intake compared to controls.
- Triglyceride levels were lower in the intervention group than in the control group.
- Overall diet quality did not improve in the intervention group.
Takeaway
The study tested a smartphone app to help people with diabetes eat better, but it didn't really change their overall diet quality, though it did help some with fat intake.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a smartphone-based dietary education or regular care for 12 weeks, with dietary intake and health markers measured at baseline and follow-up.
Potential Biases
Potential for social desirability bias in self-reported dietary intake due to participants knowing their group allocation.
Limitations
The study could not blind participants, which may have influenced self-reported dietary habits, and the control group received the app after 3 months.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 63 years, with 61% men and a mean BMI of 29.8 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -2.9 to -0.26 for NNR-score change
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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