Associations between Engagement with the BitHabit Digital Lifestyle Intervention and Changes in Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be prevented or delayed through a healthy lifestyle. Digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) may offer cost-effective and scalable means to support lifestyle changes. This study investigated associations between user engagement with a habit-formation-based DBCI, the BitHabit app, and changes in T2D risk factors over 12 months in 963 participants at risk of T2D. User engagement was characterized by calculating use metrics from the BitHabit log data. User ratings were used as a subjective measure of engagement. The use metrics and user ratings were the strongest associated with improvements in diet quality. Weak positive associations were observed between the use metrics and changes in waist circumference and body mass index. No associations were found with changes in physical activity, fasting plasma glucose, or plasma glucose two hours after an oral glucose tolerance test. To conclude, increased use of the BitHabit app can have beneficial impacts on T2D risk factors, especially on diet quality.