Application of Digital Tools in the Care of Patients With Diabetes: Scoping Review

The global rise in the prevalence of diabetes significantly impacts the quality of life of both patients and their families. Despite advances in diabetes care, numerous challenges remain in its management. In recent years, digital tools have been increasingly integrated into diabetes care, demonstrating some positive outcomes. However, the long-term effectiveness and associated challenges of these tools in diabetes management remain areas for future research.

This study aims to assess the types and current usage of digital tools in diabetes management, analyze their benefits and limitations, and provide recommendations for optimizing their future application in diabetes care.

This scoping review followed the 5-stage framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across 9 electronic databases (CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, Sinomed, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) from their inception to July 31, 2024. Study selection was independently performed by 2 reviewers, descriptive analysis was conducted, and findings were presented narratively, key study characteristics-including first author, publication date, country or region, study type, sample size, type of digital tools, intervention methods, intervention duration, limitations, and outcome indicators-were independently extracted and cross-checked by 2 investigators.

A total of 6263 articles were initially retrieved. After deduplication and a 2-stage screening process (initial screening based on titles and abstracts followed by full-text assessment), 45 studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria were ultimately included for analysis, originating from 7 countries. The included studies demonstrated marked heterogeneity in research designs: randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n=26, 57.8%), non-RCTs (n=15, 33.3%), quasi-RCTs (n=1, 2.2%), observational studies (n=1, 2.2%), mixed-methods studies (n=1, 2.2%), and qualitative studies (n=1, 2.2%). The digital tools primarily included mobile health apps, integrated management information platforms, Diabetes Online Community (DOC), specialized monitoring and analytics tools, blood glucose information management systems, and remote monitoring and follow-up systems, among others. These tools were applied across home, hospital, and community settings. Outcome measures were primarily focused on evaluating glycemic control efficacy (eg, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin), blood lipid levels, BMI, self-management capacity, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and diabetes knowledge.

This review highlights the diversity and potential value of digital tools in diabetes care, particularly in supporting patient self-management and extending care across multiple settings. From a nursing perspective, digital interventions offer opportunities for individualized care, patient engagement, and continuity of services. However, challenges such as technology acceptance remain. Future studies should address gaps related to long-term effectiveness, economic evaluation, and tool adaptation for aging populations, while incorporating interdisciplinary approaches and real-world evidence to inform sustainable digital health strategies.