Maximizing Diabetes Management: A Comparative Study of Digital Monitoring, Group Support, and Their Synergy in Enhancing Patient Adherence

This study evaluated the effectiveness of digital self-monitoring (MySugr app), group psychological support, and their combination in improving adherence and mental health in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 79 patients were recruited from a public health center in Zaragoza, Spain, and randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) MySugr app, (2) bi-weekly group sessions, or (3) a combined intervention. Adherence to diet, physical activity, and medication was assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Anxiety (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and HbA1c were also measured. The combined group showed the greatest improvements in adherence to diet and physical activity, both p < 0.05. Anxiety scores (GAD-7) significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) showed a moderate reduction. HbA1c levels improved across all conditions, with the largest decrease observed in the combined intervention group (p < 0.05). Integrating digital tools with group psychological support enhances both adherence and mental health outcomes in type 2 diabetes management, suggesting that multimodal interventions may be more effective than stand-alone approaches.