Impact of the KARAZ platform's behavioral interventions and incentives on diabetic glycemic control in Saudi Arabia

The glucose management indicator (GMI) and time-in-range (TIR) are important glycemic parameters calculated from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) values. KARAZ, a hybrid Internet of things-artificial intelligence platform, was developed in Saudi Arabia to help manage diabetes mellitus. The complex nature of self-care and behavior changes associated with diabetes mellitus requires breaking large behaviors into achievable ones and related incentives.

This study explored how tiny habits as a behavioral intervention and incentive system affect glycemic control among KARAZ Platform users with diabetes mellitus in various age groups in Saudi Arabia.

This retrospective study included KARAZ Platform users and analyzed the effects of behavioral interventions and incentives on GMI and TIR as glycemic control parameters.

Of 296 active users, 118 (40%) and 148 (50%) maintained a desirable TIR and GMI, respectively. Adult females aged ≥ 26 years who consistently followed tiny habits and behavior changes exhibited a significant reduction in the GMI (5%). Intrinsic motivation through behavioral modification was more effective than external incentives for maintaining glucose control.

The findings highlight how behavioral interventions can impact GMI, suggesting their effectiveness in promoting better health behaviors and improving glycemic control in the Saudi Arabian context. Further research should investigate how these habits and behaviors can be maintained sustainably without relying on external incentives. Recommendations discussed how children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus would benefit from CGM connection to KARAZ Platform iteration and the integration of a comprehensive diabetes care program within the Saudi health system.