Six percent of adult New Zealanders have diabetes mellitus and one in four have prediabetes. Rates of both are rapidly increasing, and are higher among Māori and Pacific people.
The research team have developed an innovative digital health programme which supports prevention and self-management of prediabetes and diabetes. The programme is delivered via web and mobile-based platforms, integrates with primary care providers, and utilises peer support, health coaches, health tracking, and tools with engaging content to drive behaviour change.
Initial pilot results showed that over 70% of pre-diabetics had normal blood glucose levels after four months on the programme.
This project is running a group of studies, including a randomised controlled trial, to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of this intervention in reversing prediabetes and improving self- management of diabetes, compared with usual care. They are explicitly assessing the impact among Māori and Pacific people, and focussing on translating findings into clinical practice
This research project is funded by the Ministry of Health, Health Research Council of New Zealand, and Healthier Lives National Science Challenge, as part of the Long Term Conditions Partnership.
Read more about this project in Taking healthcare out of the surgery – and into patients’ hands.
Innovative management of diabetes with a comprehensive digital health programme (BetaMe)
Science Leader and principal investigator:
Associate investigators:
- Cheryl Davies
- Professor Tony Dowell
- Associate Professor Jeremy Krebs
- William Leung
- Melissa McLeod
- Jeannine Stairmand
- Dr James Stanley
- Virginia Signal
Publications
Puka rangahau
- BetaMe: impact of a comprehensive digital health programme on HbA1c and weight at 12 months for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial Trials (2018) 19:161
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