Researchers in Saudi Arabia asked 424 people with type 2 diabetes about using phone apps to help manage their condition. Almost everyone (98%) said they’d be willing to try these apps, even though only a small number had used them before. The study found that people most wanted apps that remind them to take medicine and help them plan healthy meals. Younger people and those taking more medications were especially interested. This research shows that phone apps could be a really useful tool to help people with diabetes stay healthy, but app makers need to focus on the features people actually want to use.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Do people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia want to use phone apps to help manage their disease, and what features would they find most helpful?
  • Who participated: 424 adults living in Saudi Arabia who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Most owned smartphones, but very few had actually used health apps before.
  • Key finding: Nearly all participants (98.1%) said they would be willing to use diabetes management apps. The most wanted features were medication reminders (78.3% wanted this) and help with meal planning (69.8% wanted this). People with more education and those taking multiple daily medications were most interested.
  • What it means for you: If you have type 2 diabetes, a phone app could be a helpful tool to manage your condition. The good news is that app developers now know what features matter most to people like you—reminders about medicine and guidance on eating healthy. However, this study only looked at people’s willingness to use apps, not whether the apps actually work to improve health.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot in time. Researchers gave 424 people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia a questionnaire (a list of questions) to fill out about their thoughts on health apps. They asked about whether people owned smartphones, if they’d used health apps before, and what features they’d want in an app. The researchers then looked at the answers to see patterns—for example, did younger people feel differently than older people? Did people taking more medications have different opinions?

The study was descriptive, meaning it focused on describing what people thought and wanted, rather than testing whether an app actually helps people get healthier. This type of research is useful for understanding people’s needs before creating new tools.

Before companies spend time and money building new health apps, they need to know if people actually want to use them and what features matter most. This study provides that information. By understanding what people with diabetes in Saudi Arabia need, app makers can create tools that people will actually use, which could help more people manage their disease better.

This study has some strengths: it included a decent-sized group of people (424), and the questions were structured the same way for everyone. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The study only asked people if they would use an app—it didn’t actually test whether apps help people. Also, the study only looked at people in Saudi Arabia, so the results might be different in other countries. Additionally, only 12.3% had actually used health apps before, so most people were answering based on what they imagined rather than real experience.

What the Results Show

The biggest finding was that almost everyone (98.1%) said they would be willing to use a phone app to help manage their type 2 diabetes. This is very encouraging because it shows there’s strong interest in this type of technology.

When asked what features they wanted most, medication reminders came out on top—about 78% of people said this was important. This makes sense because remembering to take medicine at the right time is one of the biggest challenges for people managing diabetes. The second most popular feature was help with meal planning and diet management, which 69.8% of people wanted. This shows that people recognize that eating right is crucial for managing their disease.

The study also found that certain groups were more interested than others. People with more education were more likely to want to use these apps. People who were taking more medications daily were also more interested. Younger people seemed more enthusiastic than older people, which is typical since younger people often use technology more regularly.

The study found that 92.5% of people owned smartphones, which is important because you need a smartphone to use these apps. However, only 12.3% had actually used a health app before. This gap suggests that while people have the technology available, they haven’t had much experience with health apps yet. This could mean that once good apps are available and people learn about them, usage could increase significantly. The study also noted that willingness to use apps was linked to how many daily medications people took—people managing more complex medication schedules were more interested, possibly because they need more help staying organized.

This research fits with what other studies have found around the world. In many countries, people with chronic diseases like diabetes say they’re interested in using health apps, but actual usage remains low. This study confirms that pattern in Saudi Arabia. The high level of willingness (98%) is actually higher than some other studies have found, which might reflect growing comfort with technology in Saudi Arabia. The specific features people want—reminders and diet help—are consistent with what people in other countries have requested.

This study has several important limitations. First, it only measured what people said they would do, not what they actually did. People often say they’ll use something but don’t follow through. Second, the study was done in Saudi Arabia, so the results might not apply to people in other countries with different cultures and healthcare systems. Third, since only 12% had used health apps before, most people were answering based on imagination rather than real experience. Fourth, the study didn’t test whether using these apps actually helps people manage their diabetes better—it only looked at whether people wanted to use them. Finally, the study didn’t include information about what might prevent people from using apps, like cost, difficulty learning to use them, or privacy concerns.

The Bottom Line

If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s worth exploring health apps that offer medication reminders and meal planning help—these are the features that research shows people find most useful. Look for apps that are easy to use and that clearly show how they’ll help you. However, remember that an app is a tool to support your diabetes management, not a replacement for talking with your doctor. Start by trying an app for a few weeks to see if it fits into your routine. (Confidence level: Moderate—based on what people say they want, not proven health outcomes.)

This research is most relevant for people with type 2 diabetes who own smartphones and are looking for ways to better manage their condition. It’s especially useful for younger people and those taking multiple medications. App developers and healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia and similar regions should pay attention to these findings when creating or recommending apps. However, if you don’t own a smartphone or prefer not to use technology, this research doesn’t apply to you—traditional methods of managing diabetes are still very effective.

If you decide to try a diabetes management app, you should give it at least 2-4 weeks to see if it fits into your daily routine. Some benefits like better medication adherence might show up within a few weeks, while improvements in blood sugar control could take several weeks to months. Remember that an app is just one tool—you’ll still need regular check-ups with your doctor and to follow their advice about diet, exercise, and medication.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track how many times per week you use the app’s medication reminder feature and whether you took your medicine on time. Also track which features you use most (reminders vs. meal planning vs. blood sugar logging) to understand what’s most helpful for you personally.
  • Start by setting up medication reminders in the app for all your daily medicines. Once that feels routine (after 1-2 weeks), add meal planning or blood sugar tracking. This gradual approach helps you build the habit without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Check in with yourself monthly: Are you still using the app? Is it helping you remember your medicine? Are your blood sugar readings improving? If the app isn’t working for you after a month, try a different one or talk to your doctor about other ways to stay organized with your diabetes management.

This research describes what people say they want in diabetes apps, not whether using these apps actually improves health outcomes. If you have type 2 diabetes, always consult with your doctor before starting any new management tool or app. This study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and may not apply to all populations. Mobile health apps should complement, not replace, regular medical care and professional medical advice. Always discuss any new health management strategy with your healthcare provider.