Integrating Mobile and Wearable Self-Monitoring Data Into Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Workflow: A Multisite Randomized Feasibility Trial

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of integrating patient-generated diet and physical activity self-monitoring data from mobile and wearable technologies into a diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) documentation workflow using the Chronicle Diabetes DSMES Documentation Platform, provided free for the American Diabetes Association’s Education Recognition Programs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We developed an interface enabling diabetes care and education specialists to review participants’ diet and activity self-monitoring data captured via a smartphone application and wrist-worn tracker within Chronicle Diabetes. In a 3-month, multisite randomized feasibility study (Houston, TX; Pittsburgh, PA), 60 adults with diabetes and overweight or obesity were randomized to 1) mobile/wearable self-monitoring with educator-accessible data or 2) usual DSMES care. RESULTS All participants were successfully recruited and randomized (n = 60), and usability findings indicated feasible integration of the intervention into routine workflow. HbA1c decreased modestly over time (β = −0.57, P = 0.044), but there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups (P = 0.792). Weight did not change significantly over time (P = 0.118) or between groups (P = 0.850). CONCLUSIONS Integrating connected self-monitoring data into Chronicle Diabetes to support DSMES workflow is feasible; larger, longer trials should evaluate effectiveness and implementation outcomes.