Lay summary
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 Maori and Pacific people. We 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, 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.
We propose 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. We will explicitly assess the impact among Maori and Pacific people, and focus on translating findings into clinical practice