Last updated September 2, 2026
Key finding
Use of iSpy was associated with improved carbohydrate counting accuracy (total grams per meal, P =.008).
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the iSpy mobile app for carbohydrate counting in youth with Type 1 diabetes, showing improvements in accuracy and HbA1c levels.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the iSpy mobile app for carbohydrate counting in youth with Type 1 diabetes, showing improvements in accuracy and HbA1c levels.
Improving carbohydrate counting accuracy is crucial for managing Type 1 diabetes effectively. The findings suggest that mobile health interventions like the iSpy app can enhance self-management skills, potentially leading to better glycemic control and reduced long-term complications associated with diabetes.
Small sample size may limit generalizability Short duration of the study may not reflect long-term effects Lack of control over external factors affecting carbohydrate counting
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Sang-Bing T, Rayhan L, Michael H, et al. Use of a Mobile App for Carbohydrate Counting in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 2020;8(10):e22074. doi:10.2196/22074
Improved carbohydrate counting accuracy by -10.479 grams (P = .008)
Reduced frequency of counting errors greater than 10 grams by -9.851 grams (P = .047)
Lowered HbA1c levels by -0.603% (P = .03)
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to iSpy mobile app and Carbohydrate counting accuracy, Engagement duration with the intervention, Frequency of individual counting errors greater than 10 g, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
iSpy mobile app
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
1
Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
603
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
iSpy mobile app → Carbohydrate counting accuracy
iSpy mobile app → Carbohydrate counting accuracy
iSpy mobile app → Engagement duration with the intervention
iSpy mobile app → Engagement duration with the intervention
iSpy mobile app → Frequency of individual counting errors greater than 10 g
iSpy mobile app → Frequency of individual counting errors greater than 10 g
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on iSpy mobile app and Carbohydrate counting accuracy, iSpy mobile app and Engagement duration with the intervention.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Devices & Technology
Devices & Technology
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Carbohydrate counting accuracy
Measures Carbohydrate counting accuracy as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Engagement duration with the intervention
Measures Engagement duration with the intervention as a key outcome.
All studies on iSpy mobile app
Contributes to iSpy mobile app evidence base.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
iSpy mobile app appears to improve carbohydrate counting accuracy.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Carbohydrate counting accuracy
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
iSpy mobile app appears to improve engagement duration with the intervention.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Engagement duration with the intervention
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
iSpy mobile app appears to improve frequency of individual counting errors greater than 10 g.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Frequency of individual counting errors greater than 10 g
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
iSpy mobile app appears to lower HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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