Real-time digital health management and multifactorial metabolic control in type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study of follow-up intensity

Real-time digital health management may support multifactorial metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the association between clinic follow-up intensity and target attainment remains uncertain. We evaluated metabolic changes within an app-supported care program and examined whether cumulative clinic visit count was associated with target attainment. This retrospective cohort study included 471 adults with T2DM who received app-supported multidisciplinary management between June 2018 and March 2023. Patients were grouped by total clinic visits (2, 3–5, or \(\:>\) 5). Changes in HbA1c, LDL-C, blood pressure, BMI, body weight, and composite target attainment were analyzed. HbA1c, LDL-C, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, and body weight decreased significantly after Bonferroni correction. Compared with the 2-visit group, patients with \(\:>\) 5 visits had a 0.69% greater reduction in HbA1c. Their LDL-C reduction was 0.39 mmol/L greater than those in both lower-frequency groups. Composite target attainment was 15.5% overall and 24.6% in the \(\:>\) 5-visit group. Higher visit count independently predicted LDL-C target attainment. Among adults with T2DM receiving app-supported multidisciplinary care, a higher cumulative number of documented clinic visits was associated with greater improvements in glycemic, lipid, blood pressure, and weight-related outcomes. Higher follow-up intensity may facilitate the achievement of multifactorial metabolic treatment targets. Not applicable.