Innovative health informatics as an effective modern strategy in diabetes management: a critical review

Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in developing countries. Mobile health applications are helpful in improving the diabetes management. However, the effectiveness of these techniques needs to be assessed rigorously. Therefore, the authors have systematically reviewed the recent clinical studies using mobile health applications for diabetes management.

Original articles that were published in ISI indexed journals listed in PubMed from the year 2007 till 2014 were searched using specific search key phrases. The intervention technology and study methodology were analysed to have a better understanding of the outcomes of each study.

Twenty-one articles were selected for the review. Most studies (76%) reported positive outcomes after use of the mobile health applications. Smartphone apps significantly improved the clinical outcomes. User-friendliness of the systems often influence the patient compliance and the clinical outcomes.

Smartphone/web applications offer significant benefits for patient care, education and behavioural modifications. Providing a continuous patient support using mobile may be a challenging task and would require adequate infrastructure and personnel.