Effects of a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program: An RCT

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Preventive cardiology
• Diabetes mellitus management

Background:

• Prediabetes affects a significant portion of the population, increasing type 2 diabetes risk.
• Clinically proven digital Diabetes Prevention Programs (d-DPPs) offer scalable solutions.
• Evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness of d-DPPs in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a d-DPP compared to enhanced standard care.
• To assess improvements in HbA1c, body weight, and cardiovascular risk factors.
• To determine the impact of d-DPPs on prediabetes progression.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 599 participants with prediabetes.
• Participants were randomized to a 12-month d-DPP (weekly sessions, coaching, peer support) or a control group.
• Primary outcome was change in HbA1c; secondary outcomes included body weight and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

• The d-DPP group showed significantly greater reductions in HbA1c (-0.08%) and body weight (-5.5%) compared to the control group.
• A higher proportion in the d-DPP group achieved ≥5% weight loss (43% vs 21%) and reverted to normal HbA1c levels (58% vs 48%).
• Engagement with the d-DPP was directly correlated with improved HbA1c and weight loss outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Digital Diabetes Prevention Programs are clinically effective for managing prediabetes.
• d-DPPs demonstrate significant potential for broad implementation, aligning with telemedicine growth.
• These findings support the integration of digital interventions in preventive healthcare strategies.