User evaluation of the Hypo-METRICS app: A tool for real-time symptom reporting of hypoglycaemia

Aims

Hypoglycaemia remains a barrier to optimal diabetes management, with few tools for capturing real-time person-reported hypoglycaemia (PRH). This study evaluated the Hypo-METRICS app, originally developed for a multinational 10-week prospective study of hypoglycaemia. It enables real-time reporting of hypoglycaemic episodes and their impact on daily functioning using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), thereby overcoming limitations of retrospective self reports.

Methods

After completing the Hypo-METRICS study, 120 participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) from Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire assessing app content, functionality, intervention effects, user engagement and the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Results

Ninety-six participants (80%; 29 T1D, 67 T2D) completed the questionnaire (40% women; mean age 57.2 ± 16.1 years; 26% impaired hypoglycaemia awareness; HbA1c 60 ± 13 mmol/mol (7.6 ± 1.1%); diabetes duration 20.4 ± 11.3 years). App content and functionality were rated highly (>8/10 and >7/10, respectively). Some reported declining engagement, likely due to study length. COVID-19 had a minimal impact on app use.

Conclusions

The Hypo-METRICS app was well accepted, with strong ratings for usability and functionality. Given its unique strengths, the app has the potential to become an essential instrument for researchers aiming to capture the real-world burden and impact of hypoglycaemia.