Digital storytelling may improve blood sugar in Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes
Last updated May 16, 2026
Key finding
A culturally tailored storytelling video may modestly improve blood sugar in Hispanic adults with diabetes.
This study tested a 12-minute video featuring four Hispanic people sharing their diabetes management stories. 451 Hispanic adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes watched the video or received printed materials. After 3 months, blood sugar dropped slightly more in the video group. The effect was small but noticeable when accounting for starting differences. Nearly all participants felt more motivated and confident about managing their diabetes. The video didn't change other health measures like blood pressure or weight. While motivation increased, this didn't lead to measured behavior changes in the short 3-month period. The video may work best as part of a larger diabetes program.
Quick read
Study at a glance
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
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Study focus
A culturally tailored storytelling video may modestly improve blood sugar in Hispanic adults with diabetes.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Wieland ML, Vickery KD, Hernandez V, et al. Digital Storytelling Intervention for Hemoglobin A1c Control Among Hispanic Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2424781. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24781
Main Effects
HbA1c → ↓ (small improvement)
Motivation and confidence → ↑ (strong increase)
Actual behaviors → → (no measured change)
Evidence Suggest
- A brief digital storytelling intervention may produce small improvements in blood sugar among Hispanic adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, though effects are modest.
- The intervention increased confidence and motivation to manage diabetes, with very high acceptance and emotional engagement, though these feelings didn't translate into measured behavior changes within 3 months.
- Digital storytelling appears to be a culturally appropriate way to activate patients at the start of diabetes programs, but likely works best when combined with more intensive ongoing support.
Who this applies to
Hispanic or Latino adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, particularly those who are Spanish-speaking, foreign-born, have limited English proficiency, and receive care in community health centers. May be especially relevant for patients with lower levels of formal education and limited income.
Keep in Mind
The study was done during COVID-19, which may have created extra stress for participants. Results might be different under normal conditions.
Between the Lines
- Study conducted during COVID-19 pandemic
- Only 3 months of follow-up
- Results varied by data analysis method
- No measured behavior changes despite increased motivation
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