Effects of a Mobile Application for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Initiating Insulin Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a mobile application for patients with Type 2 diabetes initiating insulin therapy for the first time and to evaluate its effects on insulin knowledge, insulin injection skills, self-management of insulin therapy and attitudes towards insulin use. METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 88 participants assigned by block randomization to intervention (mobile application, n = 44) and control (standard care, n = 44) groups. The intervention group received insulin training via the mobile app, whereas the control group received standard care. Data were collected at baseline (T1), on the 14th day (T2) and on the 28th day (T3) using the Patient Information Form, Insulin Knowledge Form, Insulin Treatment Assessment Scale, Insulin Treatment Self-Management Scale and Insulin Injection Skill Observation Form. RESULTS: In the intervention group using the mobile application, a statistically significant increase over time was observed in the levels of insulin-related knowledge, self-management of insulin treatment and insulin injection skills, whereas negative attitudes and perceptions regarding insulin treatment decreased (p < 0.05). No statistically significant change was observed in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study indicated that the mobile application developed for patients with Type 2 diabetes using insulin for the first time is effective in disease self-management, fosters positive behavioural changes and serves as a viable educational tool for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The application can be integrated into routine nursing-led diabetes education programmes to enhance continuity of care and support patients during insulin initiation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06060743.