Digital Intervention to Promote Lifestyle Changes among Pre-diabetic and Obese Adults – A Study from Rural Area of Pune, India

Introduction: Pre-diabetes and obesity signify rising public health challenges in India, contributing to the escalating burden of type 2 diabetes and its complications. While lifestyle interventions are effective, traditional face-to-face programmes face hurdles of cost, access and scalability. This study explored the feasibility and effect of a 6-month digital lifestyle intervention delivered via mobile technology in rural Indian setting. Methods: An educational interventional study was conducted among 40 overweight/obese and pre-diabetes adults at designated rural health center in Pune City. The study group ( n = 20) received a 6-month, app-based intervention while the control group ( n = 20) was sensitised with traditional lectures for 6 months. Knowledge, anthropometric, glycemic and behavioral outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 months. The differences between intervention and control groups were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Results: The study group showed greater improvement in knowledge, weight and glycemic outcomes compared with controls. Conclusions: A 6-month digital lifestyle programme was feasible, well-received and associated with improvements in weight, glycemic control and diabetes-related knowledge among pre-diabetic, obese adults.