Researchers looked at 13 different studies about using phone apps and wearable devices to help people with type 2 diabetes and extra weight. They found that people who used these mobile health tools for 6-12 months improved their blood sugar control, lost weight, and had better cholesterol levels. The improvements were modest but real—people lost about 5-6 pounds on average and their blood sugar control improved. This suggests that smartphone apps and fitness trackers could be a helpful, affordable way to manage diabetes and weight at home.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether using phone apps and wearable devices (like fitness trackers) helps people with type 2 diabetes and extra weight manage their condition better
  • Who participated: 13 research studies involving adults with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese. The exact total number of people studied wasn’t specified in the summary, but it included multiple randomized controlled trials (the gold standard type of research)
  • Key finding: People using mobile health apps and trackers for 6-12 months had meaningful improvements: their blood sugar control improved by about 0.23%, they lost an average of 2.5 kg (about 5-6 pounds), and their cholesterol levels dropped. These changes may seem small, but they’re significant enough to reduce health risks
  • What it means for you: If you have type 2 diabetes and extra weight, using a phone app or fitness tracker could be a helpful tool to manage your condition from home. However, these apps work best when combined with other healthy habits like diet and exercise, and you should still work with your doctor

The Research Details

This was a meta-analysis, which means researchers looked at 13 different high-quality studies (called randomized controlled trials) that all tested phone apps and wearable devices for managing diabetes and weight. They searched three major medical databases for studies published up to July 2025. Each of the 13 studies randomly assigned people to either use a mobile health app or receive standard care, which is the best way to test if something actually works.

The researchers looked at studies that measured important health markers like blood sugar control (HbA1c), body weight, and cholesterol levels. They combined the results from all 13 studies to see the overall effect of using these apps and devices. This approach is powerful because it combines evidence from many studies rather than relying on just one.

This research approach matters because type 2 diabetes and obesity are huge health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Many people struggle to manage these conditions because they need frequent doctor visits, which can be expensive and inconvenient. Mobile health tools offer a scalable solution—meaning they can reach many people at once without requiring lots of in-person appointments. By combining results from multiple studies, the researchers could show whether these tools actually work across different populations and settings.

The researchers used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, which is a trusted method for checking if studies were done properly. They only included randomized controlled trials, which is the highest quality type of research. However, the studies varied in how much improvement they showed (indicated by something called I² values), which suggests that different apps and different groups of people may have had different results. The fact that they found consistent improvements across multiple studies strengthens the findings.

What the Results Show

The main results showed that mobile health interventions helped people in several important ways over 6-12 months. First, blood sugar control improved—people’s HbA1c (a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months) decreased by 0.23%, which means their diabetes was better controlled. While this might sound small, it’s clinically meaningful and can reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

Second, people lost weight—an average of 2.47 kg (about 5-6 pounds). This might not seem like a lot, but even modest weight loss can significantly improve health for people with diabetes and obesity. Third, cholesterol levels improved, with total cholesterol dropping by 0.23 mmol/L and LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) dropping by 0.27 mmol/L. These improvements suggest that the apps helped people make healthier choices overall.

The researchers noted that the improvements were most consistent when the apps included wearable technology like fitness trackers or smartwatches. This suggests that having real-time feedback about activity and health metrics may help people stay motivated and stick with the program.

The studies also looked at other cholesterol measures. HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) showed improvements, though the results were less consistent across studies. Triglycerides (another type of fat in the blood) also tended to improve, though this wasn’t measured in all studies. These secondary findings are important because they show that mobile health apps don’t just help with weight and blood sugar—they appear to improve overall heart health markers too.

This research builds on previous studies showing that digital health tools can help with chronic disease management. What’s new here is the focus on people who have both diabetes and obesity at the same time, which is very common. The improvements found in this meta-analysis are consistent with what other research has shown about digital health interventions, but this study specifically demonstrates that apps work for this particular group of people. The inclusion of wearable technology appears to be an important factor that makes these interventions more effective than older digital health approaches.

There are several important limitations to keep in mind. First, the studies only tracked people for 6-12 months, so we don’t know if the benefits last longer than that. Second, the studies varied quite a bit in how they designed their apps and what features they included, which makes it harder to say exactly which features work best. Third, the improvements, while real, were modest—people lost 5-6 pounds on average, not dramatic amounts. Fourth, the studies didn’t always report the same measurements, so some results are based on fewer studies than others. Finally, people who volunteer for these studies might be more motivated than the general population, so results might be different in real-world use.

The Bottom Line

If you have type 2 diabetes and are overweight or obese, using a mobile health app with a wearable device (like a fitness tracker) may help you manage your condition better. The evidence suggests moderate confidence that these tools can help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, and improve cholesterol. However, these apps work best when combined with other healthy habits like eating better and exercising more. You should discuss using these apps with your doctor to make sure they fit with your overall treatment plan. Start with realistic expectations—the average person loses about 5-6 pounds over several months, not dramatic amounts.

This research is most relevant for adults with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese and want additional tools to manage their condition. It’s particularly useful for people who have difficulty attending frequent doctor appointments or who want more real-time feedback about their health. People with other types of diabetes or those without weight concerns should talk to their doctor about whether these apps are appropriate for them. This research is less relevant for people who don’t have smartphones or who aren’t comfortable using technology.

Based on the studies reviewed, you should expect to see meaningful changes within 6-12 months of consistent use. Weight loss typically becomes noticeable after 2-3 months, while improvements in blood sugar control may take 3-4 months to show up in blood tests. However, some people may see benefits sooner, and others may take longer. The key is consistent use of the app and making the recommended lifestyle changes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your HbA1c test results every 3 months (ask your doctor for these results), weigh yourself weekly at the same time of day, and log your daily step count from a connected fitness tracker. Also track how many days per week you use the app—consistency matters more than perfection.
  • Start by choosing one specific behavior to track: either daily steps (aim for 7,000-10,000), daily food logging, or blood sugar checks if you use a glucose monitor. Pick whichever feels most manageable, then add other tracking after 2-3 weeks. Use the app’s reminder features to build the habit gradually rather than trying to change everything at once.
  • Check your app data weekly to see trends rather than focusing on daily numbers. Every month, review your progress on the main metrics (weight, steps, food logging consistency). Every 3 months, compare your app data with your doctor’s blood test results to see if your efforts are translating to real health improvements. Adjust your goals if needed based on what’s working.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Mobile health apps are tools to support your diabetes and weight management, not replacements for medical care. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new health app or changing your diabetes treatment plan. If you take diabetes medications, your doctor may need to adjust them as you lose weight or improve your blood sugar control. Results vary by individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. This summary describes average results from research studies; your personal results may differ.