Development of an interactive social network for metabolic control of diabetic patients

Background

There are currently more than 420 million people with diabetes worldwide. The presence of complications through poor control of the disease is a serious health problem with social and economic repercussions. There are several cell phone applications around the world that help patients register their blood sugar but it comes at a cost. We want to develop a free application that has educational modules with self-evaluation. Modules for monitoring blood glucose, exercise, diet, mental state, foot status as well as give reminders.

Our smartphone app is called “SomosDiabetes” (which translates into “WeAreDiabetes”). Our app uses gamification, the concept of applying game mechanics and game design techniques to engage and motivate people to achieve their goals. Gamification makes our application an educational and fun experience at the same time.

Aims

Our primary aim was to develop a smartphone app and an interactive social network in order to minimize risk-related attitudes and change behaviours of people who suffer from type 2 diabetes in Mexico.

Our secondary aims were to improve diabetes education levels in the community and improve self-care and care-associated behaviours.

Project plan

The project aimed to:

• Create a virtual online community, where people with diabetes could meet other people with the same illness, and with relatives and supporters. The team sought to have sufficient activity data and to maintain community interest to meet their long-term goals.

• Use “Gamification” to create an emotive and interactive experience. Participants entered their behaviour changes, and thereby improved their activities in the game.

Impact

The project demonstrated that use of the modified behavioural risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) survey administered by face-to-face interview is an appropriate tool for assessing engagement in T2DM self-management behaviours, diabetes care, and health perception.

Publications and output

GACD have also published an end-of-programme report providing a comprehensive summary of the programme and outcomes.

Principal investigators

Team members

Funding organisations

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