Evaluation of Smartphone Diabetes Tracking Applications for Use in Pregnancy Using the APPLICATIONS Scoring System [10K

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To systematically evaluate the quality and functionality of smartphone diabetes tracking applications for use in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. METHODS: We adapted the previously described APPLICATIONS scoring system (score 0-16) with the definition of comprehensiveness as the incorporation of: ability to record blood glucose, medication use, carbohydrates, and weight gain; provide reminders for checks and/or medication; identify abnormal glucose levels; and export the collected data in reports. The Apple App Store (iPhone/iPad) and the Google Play Store (Android phones/tablets) were both searched systematically with pertinent key words to identify smartphone applications for review by three independent reviewers. RESULTS: Initial searches revealed 408 smartphone applications. Non-English applications and those without diabetes tracking abilities were excluded as well as applications that were not available on both operating systems, all paid applications, and those requiring institutional affiliation or proprietary equipment--leaving eight pairs of applications for evaluation. No application received a perfect APPLICATIONS score. The mean score for each was 11.3 (SD 2.1). Only one application was found to have all seven functions on both operating systems. The desired functions were available in the following percentages: blood glucose tracking (100%); medication tracking (94%); carbohydrate tracking (81%); weight tracking (75%); data exporting (75%), ability to set reminders (56%); in-app recognition of high and low glucose levels (69%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review using the adapted APPLICATIONS scoring system identified many diabetes tracking smartphone applications most suitable for in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. There are many excellent apps but only one app that contained all desired functions.