Impact of a comprehensive digital health programme on HbA 1c and weight after 12 months for people with diabetes and prediabetes: a randomised controlled trial

Aims/hypothesis The aim of this RCT was to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital health programme (BetaMe/Melon) vs usual care in improving the control of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in a primary care population. Methods We conducted a randomised parallel-group two-arm single-blinded superiority trial in the primary care setting in two regions of New Zealand. Eligible participants were identified through Primary Health Organisations and participating practices. Eligibility criteria were as follows: age 18–75 years, HbA 1c 41–70 mmol/mol (5.9–8.6%), not taking insulin, and daily access to the internet. BetaMe/Melon is a 12 month mobile-device and web-based programme with four components: health coaching; evidence-based resources; peer support; and goal tracking. Participants were randomised into the intervention or control arm (1:1 allocation) based upon baseline HbA 1c (prediabetes or diabetes range), stratified by practice and ethnicity. Research nurses and the study biostatistician were blind to study arm. Primary outcomes of the study were changes in HbA 1c and weight at 12 months, using an intention-to-treat analysis. Results Four hundred and twenty-nine individuals were recruited between 20 June 2017 and 11 May 2018 ( n = 215 intervention arm, n = 214 control arm), most of whom were included in analyses of co-primary outcomes ( n = 210/215, 97.7% and n = 213/214, 99.5%). HbA 1c levels at 12 months did not differ between study arms: mean difference was −0.9 mmol/mol (95% CI −2.9, 1.1) (−0.1% [95% CI −0.3, 0.1]) for the diabetes group and was 0.0 mmol/mol (95% CI −0.9, 0.9) (0.0% [95% CI −0.1, 0.1]) for the prediabetes group. Weight reduced slightly at 12 months for participants in both study arms, with no difference between arms (mean difference −0.4 kg [95% CI −1.3, 0.5]). Conclusions/interpretation This study did not demonstrate clinical effectiveness for this particular programme. Given their high costs, technology-assisted self-management programmes need to be individually assessed for their effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes for people with diabetes. Trial registration www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12617000549325 (universal trial number U1111–1189-9094) Funding This study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Ministry of Health New Zealand and the Healthier Lives National Science Challenge. Graphical abstract