dLife mHealth Survey: Tracking Blood Glucose With A Mobile App Can Lead To Weight Loss And Decreased A1C Levels

WESTPORT, Conn., Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 84 percent of dLife mobile application users believe a mobile device improves their ability to manage their diabetes, according to a recent survey on mHealth behavior. The survey, conducted by Vital mHealth, revealed that the utilization of mobile devices plays a key role in encouraging diabetes self-management and supporting comprehensive health improvements. Over 50 percent of study respondents reported that tracking blood glucose levels with a mobile app has helped them move toward their goal weight and decrease their A1C levels.

"Over the past few years, we've seen the staggering impact of how mobile technology can drive consumer engagement," said Karen Warth, President, Vital mHealth. "It's encouraging to see that healthcare is now following suit and consumers are utilizing technology to drive significant behavior change and healthier outcomes."

The dLife study results align with current industry trends that illustrate the expanding role of mobile devices in healthcare management. For example, more than 65 percent of patients surveyed use their mobile device at least once a day to track blood glucose levels, and 80 percent have experienced some or much better improvement in communication with their healthcare providers. "It's critically important that, as the technology landscape continues to change, these innovations continue to improve upon flexibility, connectivity, and collaboration within the healthcare ecosystem," said Sean Foster, CEO, dLife.

Over 58 percent of dLife mobile app users are 51 and older, a demographic showing strong adoption and use of mobile technology to track their diabetes health. With more than 45 percent of American adults 18 years and older using smartphones, mHealth adoption allows healthcare companies to reach patients of all ages, and provides them with another channel to access information that fits easily into their lifestyles.

Overall study findings show that patients often use mobile devices for:

• Connectivity to healthcare providers, health plans, nurse/diabetes educators, health coaches, and health community groups.
• Basic Tracking of blood glucose levels and overall health goals.
• Fast Research of "lifestyle" health questions, recipes, resources, and meal planning.

About dLife – It's YOUR Diabetes Life!
dLife is the number-one community network and resource for millions of people with diabetes, their caregivers and healthcare providers. dLife engages this growing population in positive and proactive self-care across a variety of media channels. Its award-winning outlets include dLife.com, the leading online diabetes destination, attracting more than one million unique visitors a month, and featuring the widest and deepest variety of original content and resources anywhere; dLifeTV, the only national TV series dedicated to people with diabetes, airing Sundays on dLifeTV.com (7 p.m. ET); popular mobile applications; as well as consumer and professional programs driving proactive diabetes self-management. dLife has been recognized with numerous media and editorial awards.

dLife Healthcare Solutions applies evidence-based content and technology solutions built specifically for health plans and healthcare providers who want to engage their diabetes populations as consumers of their own healthcare and owners of their own condition. dLife has demonstrated positive and direct impact on health outcomes via a recently completed randomized trial performed by the Geisinger Healthcare System. Utilizing its self-care engagement platform, dLife administers diabetes education in a dosed curriculum that has proven to yield better patient outcomes, lower costs, and higher STAR ratings.

Join dLife on Facebook or follow dLife on Twitter. Watch us on dLifeTV or YouTube.

About Vital mHealth
Vital mHealth is a mobile-first digital agency specializing in market driven solutions for  healthcare.  We use our 20+ years of experience in interactive marketing to develop mobile strategies that deliver valuable customer connections, extend brand conversations and provide important behavioral insights.  We offer a full-range of mobile solutions including website development, applications and campaigns.

Media Contact:
Emma Ludwin
KNB Communications
203.504.8230 ext. 107
[email protected]

SOURCE dLife Healthcare Solutions