Mobile health tools may improve blood sugar control in African diabetes patients
Last updated May 16, 2026
Key finding
Mobile health tools may improve blood sugar control in African diabetes patients, but benefits vary.
This review looked at whether mobile health tools like text messages and phone apps help people with type 2 diabetes in Africa manage their condition. Researchers found six studies from five African countries involving over 3,000 adults. The tools included text message reminders, phone calls from nurses, and diabetes management apps. Overall, people using mobile health tools saw their HbA1c levels drop by about 1%, which is a meaningful improvement. However, results varied widely between studies. All participants found the mobile tools easy to use and helpful. The evidence is moderate because only six small studies exist, and they used different approaches in different settings.
Quick read
Study at a glance
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
Systematic Review
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
Mobile health tools may improve blood sugar control in African diabetes patients, but benefits vary.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Dike FO, Mutabazi JC, Musa E, Ubani BC, Isa AS, Ezeude CM, Iheonye H, Ainavi II. Implementation and impact of mhealth in the management of diabetes mellitus in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Digit Health. 2025;4(4):e0000776. doi:10.1371/journal.pdig.0000776
Main Effects
HbA1c → ↓ (moderate improvement)
User acceptance → ↑ (strong acceptance)
Evidence Suggest
- Mobile health tools like texts and phone apps may help reduce HbA1c by about 1% in adults with type 2 diabetes in Africa
- Benefits vary considerably—some people may see larger improvements while others see smaller changes
- Evidence comes from only five African countries and focuses on short-term blood sugar control, not long-term complications
Who this applies to
Adults with type 2 diabetes who have access to a basic mobile phone, especially in areas where regular clinic visits are difficult. May be most useful in healthcare systems with limited staff or resources where mobile tools can provide support between appointments.
Keep in Mind
Only six studies from five countries means these findings may not represent all African healthcare settings
Between the Lines
- Only six studies from five countries
- Results varied widely between studies
- Most used older technology like text messages
- No data on preventing complications long-term
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