Text messaging may help increase physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes
Last updated May 16, 2026
Key finding
Text messaging appears acceptable for promoting activity in Saudi adults with diabetes, but effectiveness is unclear.
This study tested text messages designed to help Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes become more physically active. Participants received two text messages per week in Arabic for 6 weeks. The study included 52 adults (average age 55 years) from diabetes clinics in Saudi Arabia. The texts were culturally tailored to address local barriers like high temperatures and cultural considerations. Participants reported increased physical activity and felt more confident about exercising. However, this was a small study without a comparison group, so we can't be sure the text messages caused these changes. Physical activity was self-reported, not objectively measured.
Quick read
Study at a glance
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
non-randomized clinical trial (non-RCT or NRCT)
Follow-up
Long-Term (> 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
Text messaging appears acceptable for promoting activity in Saudi adults with diabetes, but effectiveness is unclear.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Blake H, Alsahli MJ, Chaplin WJ, Konstantinidis STh. The ActiveText@T2D text messaging behavioural intervention to increase physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes: A prospective single-arm feasibility trial. PLOS Digit Health. 2025;4(7):e0000953. doi:10.1371/journal.pdig.0000953
Main Effects
Physical activity → ↑ (self-reported increase)
Exercise confidence → ↑ (moderate improvement)
Barriers to activity → ↓ (reported decrease)
Evidence Suggest
- Text messaging appears feasible and acceptable to Saudi adults with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers.
- Participants reported increased physical activity and improved exercise confidence, though these findings need confirmation in a study with a comparison group.
- The intervention revealed a gap in care—physical activity is not consistently discussed during diabetes consultations.
Who this applies to
Adults with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia who own mobile phones
Keep in Mind
Without a comparison group, the observed changes could be due to other factors like seasonal variation or simply being in a study.
Between the Lines
- No comparison group to show if texts caused changes
- Small study with only 52 participants
- Physical activity was self-reported, not measured objectively
- Most participants were urban and well-educated
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