Effectiveness and acceptability of a text message intervention (DTEXT) on HbA1c and self-management for people with type 2 diabetes. A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective Determine the effectiveness and acceptability of a text message intervention (DTEXT) on HbA1c and self-management behaviors for Australian adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods Using intention to treat analysis and generalized estimating equations, this randomized controlled trial of 395 adults determined change in HbA1c at 3 and 6 months between the intervention and control group. Secondary outcomes included change in nutrition, physical activity, blood lipid profile, body mass index, quality of life, self-efficacy, medication taking and program acceptability. Results No significant difference was observed between the intervention or control group for HbA1c at 3 months (P = 0.23) or 6 months (P = 0.22). Significant improvements were seen in consumption of vegetables at 3 months (P  Conclusions DTEXT was an acceptable text message intervention that improved some nutritional behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes, but did not significantly improve HbA1c or other outcomes. Further research is required to optimize DTEXT. Practice implications DTEXT provides an acceptable, feasible form of self-management support that may complement existing diabetes care.