Last updated August 29, 2026
Key finding
The hazard ratio (HR) for DFU was 1.44 (95% CI 0.65, 3.22).
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of foot thermometry with mobile health reminders in preventing diabetic foot ulcers, finding no significant benefit.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Long-Term (1–5 y)
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 randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of foot thermometry with mobile health reminders in preventing diabetic foot ulcers, finding no significant benefit.
Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication for individuals with diabetes, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Understanding the effectiveness of interventions like mobile health reminders is crucial for developing strategies to prevent these ulcers and improve patient outcomes.
The study did not show a statistically significant reduction in DFUs with the intervention. The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. The effectiveness of mobile health reminders remains unclear.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Maria L, Antonio B, Alvaro T, et al. Foot thermometry with mobile health reminders to prevent diabetic foot ulcers: a randomized controlled trial. Wellcome Open Research. 2020;5:23. doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15531.2
The cumulative incidence of DFU was 24% in the intervention arm compared to 11% in the control arm.
The hazard ratio for DFU was 1.44 (95% CI 0.65, 3.22), indicating no significant benefit from mHealth reminders.
The addition of mHealth reminders did not effectively reduce foot ulceration.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention, Thermometry-only and Cumulative incidence of DFU, Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), Time to occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention
Primary outcomes
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.
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Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention → Cumulative incidence of DFU
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention → Cumulative incidence of DFU
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention → Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU)
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention → Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU)
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention → Time to occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)
DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention → Time to occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)
Thermometry-only → Cumulative incidence of DFU
Thermometry-only → Cumulative incidence of DFU
Evidence Library
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention and Cumulative incidence of DFU, DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention and Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Cumulative incidence of DFU
Measures Cumulative incidence of DFU as a key outcome.
All studies on DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention
Contributes to DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention evidence base.
All studies measuring Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU)
Measures Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) as a key outcome.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Current evidence does not show a clear reduction in cumulative incidence of dfu with DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Cumulative incidence of DFU
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention for hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Hazard ratio for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of DialBetesPlus mobile health intervention for time to occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Time to occurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear reduction in cumulative incidence of dfu with Thermometry-only.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Cumulative incidence of DFU
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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