A randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of a text message based diabetes self management support program to improve glycaemic control, compared with usual care, in New Zealand adults with poorly controlled diabetes

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a text message programme (SMS4BG) was effective in supporting people with diabetes. Half of the people in the study received a text message programme over a 3- to 9-month period (SMS4BG group). The other half did not receive the programme in this period (this is the ‘usual care’ group). 366 people took part in the study, with 183 in the SMS4BG group and 183 in the usual care group. We found that those who received the SMS4BG programme had a greater improvement in their HbA1c (diabetes control) at 9-month follow up compared to those in the usual care group. A decrease in HbA1c from baseline to 9-month follow up was seen in 75% of the participants in the SMS4BG group and 59% of usual care group. Of the people who received the SMS4BG programme: o 95% reported that they found it useful o 97% would recommend the programme to others with diabetes o 99% thought that text messaging was a good way to deliver this type of support o 82% said that the SMS4BG impacted on how they manage their diabetes or helped change their behaviours o 71% reported that taking part in the programme helped them to learn about their diabetes o Less than 2% chose to end the messages early