This demonstrates that an online intervention using a popular social media platform (WeChat) to deliver a low-glycaemic index (GI) diet and lifestyle recommendations is an effective strategy for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a community setting.
This approach leads to clinically significant improvements in glycemic control (HbA1c), weight reduction (BMI), optimisation of lipid profiles (LDL-C, HDL-C), and enhanced diabetes-specific quality of life.
The use of modern methods and technology such as “mHealth interventions” to empower patients in self-management, encourage active participation in their own care, and provide a practical, accessible tool for ongoing diabetes management.
Context
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-month, online dietary and health education intervention, delivered via a WeChat official account, on key health outcomes for patients with T2DM.
To examine the intervention’s specific influence on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profiles, and diabetes-specific quality of life (DSQL).
Methods
- A 3-month, two-center, parallel group open-label randomised controlled trial was conducted with 178 adults diagnosed with T2DM.
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group (n=89) or a control group (n=89).
- While the intervention group received online low-GI dietary and lifestyle recommendations, uploaded daily dietary photos for review, monitored blood glucose, and communicated with a diabetes management team via a WeChat official account, the control group received standard care with medications and advice from community healthcare providers.
- For assessment, a questionnaire comprising 27 items was given. Changes in HbA1c levels were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG), BMI, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and DSQL scores.
Results
- After 3 months, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements compared to the control group across all major outcomes.
- The intervention group achieved lower mean HbA1c levels (7.82% vs. 8.14% in control group; p=0.001), lower BMI (24.35 vs. 25.23 kg/m²; p<0.001), lower LDL cholesterol, and higher HDL cholesterol.
- Diabetes-specific quality of life was also significantly better in the intervention group, as indicated by lower DSQL scores.
- Subgroup analysis showed the intervention was most effective for females, individuals aged 56 or younger, those with higher education, shorter disease duration (≤5 years), and a BMI >24.
