The Effect of Using Mobile Technology-Based Methods That Record Food or Nutrient Intake on Diabetes Control and Nutrition Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

(1) Background: Mobile technologies may be utilised for dietary intake assessment for people with diabetes. The published literature was systematically reviewed to determine the effect of using mobile electronic devices to record food or nutrient intake on diabetes control and nutrition outcomes; (2) Methods: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42016050079, and followed PRISMA guidelines. Original research of mobile electronic devices where food or nutrient intake was recorded in people with diabetes with any treatment regimen, and where this intervention was compared with usual care or alternative treatment models, was considered. Quality was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research; (3) Results: Nine papers formed the final library with a range of interventions and control practices investigated. The food/nutrient intake recording component of the intervention and patient engagement with the technology was not well described. When assessed for quality, three studies rated positive, five were neutral and one negative. There was significantly greater improvement in HbA1c in the intervention group compared to the control group in four of the nine studies; (4) Conclusion: Based on the available evidence there are no clear recommendations for using technology to record dietary data in this population.

Feasibility study of an Online 24-hr Dietary Assessment Tool: myfood24, in a clinical population

“…Findings from the interviews suggested that there was confusion experienced with the current email system for accessing myfood24 which could have impacted on acceptability. However, receiving the summaries of their nutritional intake immediately following the recall, made a valuable contribution to the acceptability of myfood24 and this is supported in other studies [13,16]. Future work should prioritise developing the summary information.…”

“…However, having to undertake this dual recording of data both paper and online, could have also impacted on acceptability. Studies in populations with diabetes and renal disease support the suggestion that being able to input foods in real time via a phone app and adding other clinical data such as blood glucose levels can improve acceptability [13,14].…”

“…feedback from clinicians on their data [13]. Additionally, acceptability and effectiveness of a smartphone nutritional assessment tool for healthy pregnant women, was enhanced by using a similar feature [16].…”

“…Given these favourable findings when using technology-assisted dietary assessment in healthy populations, their application in the management of medical conditions has begun to be explored [13,14]. They can provide a more consistent and complete assessment of both the type and quantity of food consumed.…”

“…This data can be instantly analysed and provide feedback to the user and health professional. These features can provide additional support and education outside of the clinic setting [13,15,16] and health professionals in primary care reported that technology-assisted dietary assessment may promote self-efficacy and a sense of control over ones health condition [15]. Such tools also enable remote monitoring and follow up, potentially reducing the number of face-to-face appointments.…”