Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
CONTEXT: Lifestyle modifications play a major role in controlling blood glucose levels among
diabetes mellitus for the prevention of its complications. Mobile phones can be used as an efficient
tool for improving the healthy lifestyle through health education.
AIMS: The aim of the study is to measure the efficacy of behavior change communication using
mobile calls in controlling blood sugar levels, increasing medication adherence, healthy diet, and
physical activity among diabetic patients.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in an urban area of
Pondicherry between 50 (25 per arm) type 2 diabetes patients.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.
Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured. Single‑time health education was given to both
groups. The intervention group received a mobile phone calls reminders thrice weekly for 2 months.
Changes in FBG, diet, physical activities, and adherence to medications were assessed after
2 months.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Means and proportions were calculated. Chi‑square test and
paired t‑test were used to calculate the P value.
RESULTS: FBG increased significantly in the control group by 25.6 mg/dl (P = 0.03), whereas it
was only 6.5 mg/dl in the intervention group (P = 0.56). Adherence to medications was increased
significantly in both interventions (+21%) and control (+19%) groups. Number of fruits intake days
per week (+1, P = 0.01) and fruits serving per day (+0.5, P = 0.00) have increased significantly in
the intervention group. Recreational physical activity was increased in the intervention group but
not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Our study findings suggest that mobile phone calls might help to improve
glycemic control. It also suggests that it could improve the adherence to medications and
intake of fruits. In the future, studies with large sample size and longer intervention need to be
conducted.
Keywords
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