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
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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
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Study focus
Text messaging appears acceptable for promoting activity in Saudi adults with diabetes, but effectiveness is unclear.
Published in
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
Physical activity → ↑ (self-reported increase)
Exercise confidence → ↑ (moderate improvement)
Barriers to activity → ↓ (reported decrease)
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to SMS text messaging behavioral intervention for health promotion and Physical activity level (MET-minutes per week).
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
SMS text messaging behavioral intervention for health promotion
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Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
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Evidence network role
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4
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1
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250
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Primary evidence
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
SMS text messaging behavioral intervention for health promotion → Physical activity level (MET-minutes per week)
SMS text messaging behavioral intervention for health promotion → Physical activity level (MET-minutes per week)
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Adults with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia who own mobile phones
Without a comparison group, the observed changes could be due to other factors like seasonal variation or simply being in a study.
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs and Physical Activity Levels.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs
Contributes to Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs evidence base.
All studies measuring Physical Activity Levels
Measures Physical Activity Levels as a key outcome.
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2 results
2 results
2 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs may improve Physical Activity Levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Physical activity level (MET-minutes per week)
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 6 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
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