Researchers in Brunei created a smartphone app called BALANCE to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition at home. The app provides lessons about diabetes, personalized meal and exercise plans, and connects patients with health coaches through video calls and messages. Nearly 460 people used the app for 16 weeks, and researchers measured whether it helped lower their blood sugar levels and improve their overall health. This is the first large study in Brunei testing whether this kind of digital tool can really make a difference for people living with diabetes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a smartphone app called BALANCE could help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar and improve their health over 16 weeks
  • Who participated: 459 adults aged 18-70 years old living in Brunei who have type 2 diabetes. Most completed the full 16-week program (422 people, or about 92%)
  • Key finding: The study is still analyzing results, but researchers are checking whether at least 60% of participants lowered their blood sugar by a meaningful amount (0.6% reduction in a key blood test called HbA1c)
  • What it means for you: If the results are positive, it suggests that using a phone app with personalized plans and coach support might help people with diabetes manage their condition without always visiting a doctor’s office. However, wait for the final results before making decisions based on this study

The Research Details

This was a single-arm intervention study, which means all participants used the BALANCE app without a comparison group. Researchers recruited 459 adults with type 2 diabetes in Brunei and had them use the app for 16 weeks. The app included diabetes education lessons, personalized meal and exercise recommendations, tools to track blood sugar and activity, and access to health coaches through video calls and instant messaging.

Participants had their blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and waist size measured at the start and end of the 16-week program. The app also tracked how often people used it and what they did. Researchers collected data from August 2024 through November 2025, and they’re currently analyzing the results.

Because this is a single-arm study without a comparison group, it shows whether the app helped these specific people, but it doesn’t prove the app works better than other approaches or doing nothing at all.

This research matters because type 2 diabetes is a serious and growing problem in Brunei and worldwide. Many people struggle to manage their diabetes on their own, which leads to expensive health problems. A smartphone app that provides education, personalized plans, and coach support could help more people manage their condition at home, reduce doctor visits, and prevent complications. This is especially important in Brunei, where the study was designed to fit the local culture and population needs.

Strengths: The study had a large number of participants (459), a high completion rate (92%), and measured important health markers like blood sugar and weight. The researchers also collected feedback from participants about their experience.

Limitations: This study didn’t have a comparison group, so we can’t tell if the app worked better than other treatments or no treatment at all. The results are still being analyzed, so we don’t have the final numbers yet. The study only included people in Brunei, so results might be different in other countries or populations.

What the Results Show

The study is currently analyzing data, so final results aren’t available yet. However, researchers are checking whether at least 60% of the 422 people who completed the program achieved a meaningful reduction in their blood sugar levels (a 0.6% drop in HbA1c, which is a measure of average blood sugar over three months).

The fact that 92% of people who started the program finished it is a positive sign. This high completion rate suggests that people found the app helpful and easy to use, and that they stayed engaged with the program for the full 16 weeks.

Results are expected in early 2026, so the research team is still working through the data. When the results are published, they will show whether the app actually helped people lower their blood sugar, lose weight, improve their cholesterol, and reduce their waist size.

Beyond blood sugar control, researchers also measured other important health markers including cholesterol levels, fasting blood glucose (blood sugar when you haven’t eaten), body weight, and waist circumference. These measurements help show whether the app’s diet and exercise recommendations actually improved people’s overall health.

The study also collected feedback from participants about their experience using the app and working with health coaches. This feedback will help researchers understand what worked well and what could be improved.

For Muslim participants who fast during Ramadan, researchers also looked at whether the app helped them manage their diabetes safely during fasting periods. This is important because fasting can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

This is Brunei’s first large-scale study testing a fully online diabetes management program. Other countries have tested similar smartphone apps and digital coaching programs, and many have shown promise in helping people with diabetes. However, this study is unique because it was designed specifically for Brunei’s population, culture, and health system. By tailoring the program to local needs, researchers hope to get better results than generic apps that don’t fit a specific community.

This study has several important limitations: First, there was no comparison group, so we can’t tell if the app worked better than other treatments or simply doing nothing. Second, the study only included people in Brunei, so results might not apply to other countries or populations. Third, people who chose to use the app might be more motivated to manage their diabetes than the general population, which could make the results look better than they would be for everyone. Fourth, the results are still being analyzed, so we don’t have the final numbers yet. Finally, the study couldn’t prove that the app caused improvements—other factors in people’s lives might have also helped them manage their diabetes better.

The Bottom Line

Wait for the final results in early 2026 before making decisions based on this study. If the results show that the app helps people lower their blood sugar, it may be worth trying if you have type 2 diabetes and have access to it. However, this should be done under your doctor’s supervision, not instead of medical care. The app appears most helpful when combined with support from health coaches, so look for programs that include both the app and professional guidance. Confidence level: Low to moderate, since results are still being analyzed.

People with type 2 diabetes who want to manage their condition at home should pay attention to these results. Health care providers and public health officials in Brunei and similar countries should also watch for the final results, as this could inform how they deliver diabetes care. People who prefer using technology and apps for health management may find this particularly relevant. However, people without type 2 diabetes don’t need to apply these findings to themselves.

The study lasted 16 weeks, which is about 4 months. If the app works, people might see improvements in their blood sugar levels within a few weeks, but the most meaningful changes typically appear after several months of consistent use. Don’t expect overnight results—managing diabetes is a long-term commitment, and the app is designed to support you over months and years, not just weeks.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your blood sugar readings weekly using the app’s built-in logging feature, and record your weight every two weeks. Also log the meals you eat and exercise you do daily so the app can give you personalized feedback and the health coach can see your progress
  • Start by setting one small, achievable goal each week—such as adding a 15-minute walk three times per week or swapping sugary drinks for water. Use the app’s meal planning feature to prepare healthy meals in advance, and schedule weekly video check-ins with your health coach to stay accountable and get support
  • Check in with your health coach every week through the app’s messaging feature to discuss your progress and challenges. Review your blood sugar trends monthly to see if your levels are improving. After 16 weeks, work with your doctor to see if your HbA1c (average blood sugar) has improved, and decide whether to continue using the app long-term

This study is still analyzing results and has not yet published final findings. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your doctor. If you have type 2 diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new management program, including smartphone apps. The BALANCE app may not be available in your country or region. Always work with your medical team to manage your diabetes safely.