The Relationship Between Social Media Use, Health Applications, and Metabolic Control in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Aim: This research aimed to determine the characteristics of social media and mobile/web application usage in young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to examine its effects on their metabolic control. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 206 young people with T1D (aged 10-25 years) in this cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews were used to assess the relationships between their social media use, health practices, and metabolic control. Results: The participants (55% girls) had a mean age of 13.33±4.40 years and a median diabetes duration of 4.83 years (interquartile range=7.31). The last 1-year average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values were 8.02±1.39%. It was observed that HbA1c increased as daily phone usage time increased (r=0.18; p=0.01). The primary reason for internet use was accessing social media (73%). Other prevalent uses included watching movies (42%), alongside using health apps, playing games, and online shopping (each at 38%), and accessing education/information (37%). Blood sugar monitoring was the most frequently used application with 67 users (27.9%). It was followed by a pedometer (60 users; 25.0%) and carbohydrates counting (56 users; 23.3%). Less common applications included continuous glucose monitoring (26 users; 10.8%), care reminders (13 users; 5.4%), and pulse rate monitoring (9 users; 3.8%). The HbA1c values of those who used a blood sugar monitoring app were lower than those who did not use it (7.71±1.38; 8.23±1.36 p=0.01, respectively). Participants who used a pedometer app had a higher body mass index standard deviation score than non-users (0.53±1.11 vs. 0.32±0.99, respectively); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.237). Conclusion: Health applications may support diabetes management in young people with T1D, while excessive digital engagement may negatively impact metabolic outcomes.