Evaluating The Impact And Practicality Of A National Digital Intervention For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Trial (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Delivering sustained lifestyle interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains challenging. Digital health interventions may help overcome barriers related to access scalability and resource constraints. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a 16-week national digital lifestyle intervention with health coaching for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brunei Darussalam, focusing on changes in glycemic control and health-related quality of life. METHODS Participants were recruited through both web-based and offline methods and enrolled in a 16-week digital intervention program that combined online education with offline health coaching. Participants continued their existing medications, without modification. Clinical outcomes (HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, BMI, waist circumference, lipid profile), lifestyle behaviors, and health-related quality of life (QoL) were assessed at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS A total of 102 of 122 participants (83.6%) completed the intervention. Mean HbA1c significantly decreased by 1.3%, fasting blood glucose by 1.7 mmol/L, BMI by 0.4 kg/m², and waist circumference by 2.0 cm (all P