The ActiveAgeing Mobile App for Diabetes Self-management: First Adherence Data and Analysis of Patients’ in-App Notes

The up-to-date treatment of diabetes often includes the adoption of technology (eHealth) to support patients’ self-management. This contribution features first data on patients’ usage of ActiveAgeing, a mobile app supporting daily self-management. Over 6 months, 15 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 11 young women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) received daily reminders to perform treatment activities, registered capillary glucose within the app, and added personal notes to explain abnormal values. While no differences emerged between the groups’ glucose registrations, T2D patients were more likely to add notes. Sentiment analysis with the software Watson on T2D patients’ notes and some selected notes are reported. Discussion highlights that notes may be used not only to explain abnormal data, but also to express emotions and confide personal information. eHealth presents opportunities not only for self-management, but also to empower and enrich trust between patients and health providers.