Living Lab 2C: Prevent Progress of Diabetes App

Project impact

The intervention significantly improved users’ knowledge, confidence, and motivation to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours, with 94% reporting increased knowledge and 88% reporting improved confidence.

A blended model combining digital tools with brief professional (dietitian) support enhanced engagement and enabled more effective access to preventative services.

The project demonstrated a scalable, cost-effective approach to diabetes prevention that can reduce demand on healthcare services while improving population-level health outcomes.

This project designed and evaluated a Diabetes Prevention Information App as part of a scalable, digitally enabled service model integrated into primary care to support individuals at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

This project developed and tested a diabetes prevention app integrated into primary care, using a person-centred model tailored to individuals’ digital confidence. An 8-week pilot with high-risk patients showed strong engagement, improved knowledge, and increased motivation for lifestyle change, with many participants making or planning healthier behaviour changes.

Summary

This project designed and evaluated a Diabetes Prevention Information App as part of a scalable, digitally enabled service model integrated into primary care to support individuals at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

This project demonstrates a scalable, cost-effective digital approach to diabetes prevention that can be delivered within existing NHS infrastructure. By supporting early intervention and self-management, it has the potential to reduce long-term demand on healthcare services. The model provides an equitable and flexible approach, accommodating different levels of digital literacy, while enhancing patient engagement and service uptake through the integration of digital tools with professional support.

Impact & value

The app content was co-designed through a series of workshops and developed on the Right Decision Service platform. A pilot was then implemented within a GP practice in Moray, targeting patients identified as being at high risk of developing diabetes. An eight-week evaluation demonstrated strong engagement, with 63% of participants actively using the app and 92% rating it as easy to use. Positive behavioural outcomes were also observed, with most participants reporting lifestyle changes or intentions to make changes.

The integration of professional support was successfully tested, with 79% of participants taking up dietitian support. Building on these encouraging findings, the next phase will focus on scaling the approach across NHS settings, enhancing app functionality, and expanding evaluation to larger and more diverse populations.