Diabetes and obesity require sustained, behavior-centered management, yet real-world care is constrained by limited visit time, access barriers, and challenges in long-term adherence. Digital therapeutics (DTx.) deliver evidence-based, software-driven interventions and are increasingly regulated as SaMD (Software as a Medical Device). This review summarizes the evidence and implementation considerations of DTx. in diabetes and obesity. In diabetes, DTx. improve HbA1c in randomized trials, with larger effects in type 2 diabetes. In obesity, regulated app-based programs have demonstrated clinically relevant weight loss, but attrition and intervention heterogeneity remain challenges. DTx. can complement standard care by extending structured therapeutic support into daily life; priorities include long-term effectiveness, workflow integration, equity, and governance of safety/cybersecurity and software change.
Sang Youl Rhee (Mon,) studied this question.