Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Mobile-ecological momentary assessment shows 70% compliance rate among adolescents and young adults with diabetesMobile phone prompts help young people manage their daily diabetes care

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Note that mobile-EMA shows a 70% compliance rate in youth with diabetes, with higher prompting improving engagement.

This meta-analysis evaluates the use of mobile-ecological momentary assessment (mobile-EMA) for monitoring outcomes such as glucose, diabetes self-care, and psychosocial measures in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The analysis included a sample size of 703 participants across various follow-up periods ranging from 4 to 30 days.

The primary finding is a random-effects pooled estimate of compliance at 70% (95% CI: 60-79%). Additionally, the meta-analysis found that higher prompting was associated with greater compliance (beta = 0.0701, SE = 0.0183, p = 0.009). Notably, study length and participant burden were not associated with compliance rates.

The authors note limitations including protocol variability and a general lack of extensive evidence regarding mobile-EMA specifically in the AYA population with diabetes. Because of these factors and the moderate compliance observed, there is a need to optimize EMA sampling strategies for clinical application. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited scope of current evidence.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis addresses a gap in data regarding digital monitoring tools for adolescents and young adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. While previous coverage has explored automated insulin delivery systems to increase time-in-range by 9.29% in children with Type 1 Diabetes, this study specifically evaluates the feasibility and compliance of mobile-EMA platforms as a data collection method.

Managing diabetes every day is a constant job, especially for adolescents and young adults. It requires consistent effort to track glucose levels and stick to self-care routines. Researchers looked at how using a mobile phone tool called EMA—which sends prompts to the user—impacts how well these patients follow their treatment plans.

The study included 703 people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The results showed that about 70% of participants followed the instructions provided by the app. Interestingly, when the system sent more frequent reminders, patients were much more likely to stay on track with their care. This suggests that active nudges can help keep daily management at the front of a young person's mind.

While these results are encouraging, it is important to note that evidence for this specific mobile tool in young people is still limited. There was also some variation in how different study plans were set up. Because every patient's needs are unique, talk to your doctor about whether adding digital prompts could help manage your daily routine.

What this means for you:
Mobile phone reminders can improve how well young people with diabetes follow their daily care plans.

Common questions

How does using a mobile app help with diabetes?

The study looked at a tool called mobile-EMA, which sends prompts to the user's phone. These reminders can help people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes stay consistent with their daily care and self-care routines.

Are these digital prompts effective for young people?

The study of 703 adolescents and young adults found that more frequent prompting was linked to better compliance. About 70% of participants followed the instructions when using the mobile tool.

Is this a proven way to manage diabetes?

While the data shows a positive link between prompts and staying on track, evidence for this specific mobile tool in young people is still limited. You should talk to your doctor about what works best for your specific needs.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
AIMS: Mobile ecological momentary assessment (mobile-EMA) enables real-time contextualization of glucose excursions, yet compliance rates in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with diabetes has not been estimated. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated mobile-EMA protocols and participant compliance in this population. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and CINAHL were searched through November 7, 2024. Eligible studies included English-language publications of AYA with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (T1D or T2D) using mobile-EMA. Three reviewers extracted data on protocols and compliance. Of 991 abstracts screened, 57 underwent full-text review and 9 met inclusion criteria. Protocol characteristics and quality reporting were evaluated using the Checklist for Reporting EMA Studies. RESULTS: Across nine studies (N = 703), most used participants' personal smartphones (67%). Common measures included glucose, diabetes self-care, and psychosocial. Nearly all studies used time-based sampling over 4-30 days. The random-effects pooled estimate of compliance was 70% (95% CI: 60-79%). Higher prompting was associated with greater compliance (β = 0.0701, SE = 0.0183, p = 0.009), whereas study length and participant burden were not. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence on mobile-EMA in AYA with diabetes remains limited. Protocol variability and moderate compliance underscore the need to optimize EMA sampling strategies.
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.