Background. We developed the EmojiFit Diabetes iPhone app to enable person centred goal setting for diabetes self-management.
Aim: To determine i) which complication individuals with type 2 diabetes are most concerned about; ii) which risk factor individuals with type 2 diabetes choose to target for change; iii) what diabetes management plan individuals with type 2 diabetes choose, when not supported by a health care professional
Method: Individuals with type 2 diabetes were given free access to EmojiFit Diabetes, an iPhones app, that supports individuals with type 2 diabetes to make informed decisions about their goals for their diabetes management. We recorded the complication of diabetes that individuals decided they were most concerned about, the risk factor that they wanted to target for change, and the diabetes action they choose to build their self-management plan around. Individuals also completed the WHO5 Well-Being questionnaire.
Results:319 individuals from 27 countries, downloaded and trialled the app . 27% scored below clinical cut-off for possible depression. Primary concern was Heart Disease, 64% of users, Stroke 9%, Eye Disease 9%, Foot Problems 9%, Sexual Functioning 7% and Kidney Disease in 3%. 30% chose to focus on weight reduction, 26% cholesterol, 22% blood pressure, 15% HbA1c, 15% emotional well-being and 3% to quit smoking. Most individuals, 42%, chose to increase their physical activity, 17% taking medication, 15% eating less and 11% on fruit and veg. For all individuals who chose Blood Pressure, Depression, Smoking, this was their highest risk factor for complications. For waist reduction 90% this was their highest risk in 90% of individuals.
Discussion: The EmojiFit Diabetes app appears to support individuals in setting appropriate diabetes management plans, that would be considered as “right” by most health professionals most of the time.