Impact of Personal Health Record Use on HbA1c Improvement in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate how using personal health records (PHR; Health2Sync®) impact long-term glycemic management and body weight in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to identify factors associated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) changes. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included 154 patients with T2DM (76 PHR users and 78 non-users [control]; mean age: 57.9 and 65.0 years, respectively) between April 2022 and June 2024. Clinical parameters (HbA1c, body weight; BW), nutritional support, and antidiabetic medications were collected at the index date and at 3, 6, and 12 months. The between-group difference in HbA1c change (ΔHbA1c) from the index date to 12 months was the primary outcome, and that in BW change (ΔBW) was the secondary outcome. Factors associated with ΔHbA1c were explored using multivariate analysis in PHR group. Results: The PHR group showed a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c than the control group over 12 months (−0.6 ± 1.2 % vs. −0.1 ± 0.6 %; p = 0.005). Similarly, body weight was significantly reduced in the PHR group (−2.8 ± 3.8 kg vs. −0.5 ± 3.3 kg; p < 0.001). Moreover, multivariate regression analysis revealed an independent association between nutritional support and HbA1c improvement. Conclusions: PHR use was associated with improved glycemic control and weight reduction in people with T2DM, and together with nutritional support, it may further enhance self-management and clinical outcomes.