MOBILE-BASED INSULIN DOSAGE REMINDERS VERSUS MANUAL TRACKING IN IMPROVING GLYCEMIC CONTROL: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Ammar  Khalil; Arsalan Rasool; Muhammad Dawood

Authors

Ammar Khalil University of Kotli, AJ&K, Pakistan, Author
Arsalan Rasool Khyber Medical University, Peshawa, Pakistan Author
Muhammad Dawood General Hospital: Lahore, Pakistan, Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6360-3391

Keywords:

Adherence, Blood Glucose, Diabetes Mellitus, Digital Health, Glycated Hemoglobin, Insulin Therapy, Mobile Applications, Self-Management, Telemedicine, Treatment Outcome.

Abstract

Background: Effective insulin administration and adherence are critical for achieving optimal glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus. However, manual tracking of insulin doses often leads to poor compliance due to forgetfulness, complex regimens, and limited self-monitoring. The use of mobile health (mHealth) technology has emerged as a promising solution to improve treatment adherence through automated reminders and digital feedback systems.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app–based insulin dosage reminder system compared with traditional manual tracking in improving treatment adherence and glycemic outcomes among patients requiring insulin therapy.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in South Punjab, enrolling 120 insulin-dependent diabetic patients aged 18–65 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mobile-based insulin reminder group or a manual tracking control group (n=60 each). The intervention group received automated insulin reminders through a mobile application, while the control group maintained standard self-monitoring using written logs. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Primary outcomes included change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and adherence rates, while secondary outcomes included fasting glucose levels and patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using independent and paired t-tests, assuming normal data distribution, with significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Participants using the mobile reminder system achieved a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c (−1.50 ± 0.46%) compared to the manual tracking group (−0.72 ± 0.41%, p<0.001). Fasting glucose improved more substantially in the mobile group (−29.2 mg/dL, p=0.004). Mean adherence rates were higher (92.8 ± 5.9% vs. 78.3 ± 7.1%, p<0.001), and patient satisfaction scores were also greater among app users (8.6 ± 0.9 vs. 7.1 ± 1.2, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Mobile-based insulin reminder systems significantly improved adherence, glycemic control, and patient satisfaction compared to manual tracking. These findings highlight the potential of mHealth tools as practical, cost-effective adjuncts to enhance diabetes self-management and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Author Biographies

Ammar Khalil , University of Kotli, AJ&K, Pakistan,

Lecturer, Department of Data Science, University of Kotli, AJ&K, Pakistan,
Arsalan Rasool , Khyber Medical University, Peshawa, Pakistan

Lecturer, Khyber Medical University, Peshawa, Pakistan
Muhammad Dawood , General Hospital: Lahore, Pakistan,

Medical officer (Accidents & Emergency), General Hospital: Lahore, Pakistan,

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