Efficacy of synchronized diabetes monitoring system in patients with type 2 diabetes: Preliminary results of a pilot, randomized clinical trial

Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability and efficacy of the Synchronized Diabetes Monitoring System (SDMs), which consists of a smart cap attached to insulin pens with recording, alarm, alert, and reminder functions, and software that operates via Bluetooth, in patients with type 2 diabetes on insulin treatment. Methods The system consists of a smart mobile apparatus mounted on an insulin pen and automatically recording the dose and time of the administered insulin, an application developed for mobile phones that can read blood glucose results from the glucometer, and a website. Results The system has been tested in a 6-month pilot cohort of SDMs group (n = 23, 44 % female, age: 50.1 ± 13 years, duration: 12.2 ± 9.2 years) in a transparent, controlled, and single-center pilot trial, showing promising results. The results were compared to the control group (n = 23, age: 54 ± 9.3 years, 52 % female, duration: 13.8 ± 7.4 years). In the third month, we found that they had better glycemic control, as indicated by a decrease in fasting blood glucose (from 147 to 114 mg/dL, p = 0.024) and HbA1c levels (from 8.5 % to 7.2 %, p = 0.003). Additionally, improvements were achieved in physical function, role limitation, and physical and mental health domains of SF-36 survey in patients using the system. Conclusion The preliminary results from this pilot study suggest that the synchronized diabetes monitoring system have the potential to improve glycemic control and increase health satisfaction in insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.