An Evaluation Of Diabetes Apps (iOS and Android) In Relation To Their Compliance Of T2DM International Guidelines (Preprint)

Diabetes is among the most common chronic conditions people live with, in the globe. While it can be managed to a substantial degree, it can have complications that need to be monitored. As such, easy access to accurate and safe tools to assist diabetes management is essential. Mobile apps are highly accessible and widely used, but there is a gap in the literature examining their medical adherence to the guidelines.

Purpose: To review apps related to type 2 diabetes found on the Apple iTunes store and the Android Google Play Stores, and their adherence to international guidelines on the treatment and management of Type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We examined 400 IOS and Android apps and compared them to a framework created by the group. The apps were screened through the search terms “diabetes” and “type 2 diabetes”. Apps will be removed if they are paid, not in English or have been discontinued. The apps are then compared to a novel rating system to evaluate their compliance to international diabetes guidelines. The most popular apps will be scored using MARS (Mobile Application Rating System). These systems will then be compared for differences between rating systems.

Results: Apps will be scraped from both stores with around 400 apps as the sample size goal. It will be analysed with descriptive statistics to assess the range and type of global diabetic apps. Apps will be analysed also against the MARS scores collated.

Discussion: This Protocol provides a detailed and objective way to investigate the medical adherence of apps made to assist type 2 diabetic patient. The proposed methodology provides a robust approach for diabetics and their healthcare providers alike in formulating and following up on their management plan.