Managing type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge that requires consistent medication habits. For many, simply remembering to take the right pills at the right time is a hurdle that can impact long-term health. A study involving 663 patients in Malaysia looked at how a pharmacist-led mobile app, called CareAide, could help patients stay on track.
The results showed that patients using the app were much more likely to take their medicine correctly. Specifically, the group using the app had a much higher rate of staying on their medication schedule compared to the group that did not. These patients also reported a better quality of life. The study found that the first three months of pharmacist support were the most critical time for making these positive changes.
While the app helped people stick to their routines, the results regarding blood sugar levels, known as HbA1c, were more complex. While some data showed a small drop in blood sugar, other parts of the study did not show a statistically significant change. Because some data was missing from one location, researchers suggest that longer studies are needed to confirm how much the app affects blood sugar levels over time.