Analysis of Development Status and Function Features of Diabetes Health Management Apps

Abstract

Abstract Background: Using Diabetes-related Apps can effectively reduce the patients’ level of glucose and rehospitalization rate. However, due to the serious homogeneity of diabetes apps content and uneven function quality, medical staffs and patients do not know how to choose. This study aimed to understand the development status of diabetes health management Apps, analyze their functions and characteristics, and provide recommendations for further improvement or development of diabetes-related Apps. Methods: In May 2022, diabetes-related apps were screened in ten major App markets, including Android and iOS system by using the keywords either Chinese or English. The apps that met the criteria were downloaded and their functions and characteristics were analyzed. Silberg scale was used to assess their information accountability. Results: 90 diabetes-related apps were included, including 69 Chinese apps and 21 English apps. Almost all (97.8%) of which were developed by companies and commercial teams. Most of the apps (96.7%, 87/90) were targeted at people with diabetes, and only 3.3% were for type 1 and gestational diabetes. The total mean score of Silberg scale was 3.67±0.83. Among 28 functions, individual customized function and social support function are rare. Conclusion: At present, the overall accountability quality of diabetes-related apps is low. The functions are insufficient, and the individual customized functions need to be further explored. In the future, it should be strengthen the diversity and individualization of diabetes-related apps, increase the development of special types of diabetes apps, and encourage medical staffs and patients to participate in the designment and development of Apps.