Effectiveness of WeChat-based interventions for glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
摘要
WeChat, China's dominant mobile super-application with over one billion active users, offers a uniquely accessible and scalable digital health intervention. Despite a growing body of primary research, no meta-analysis has yet synthesized evidence across all three major diabetes subtypes type 1 (T1DM), type 2 (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) for WeChat-based programs.
MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Three major databases (PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane CENTRAL) were searched from inception to 23 April 2026. Eligible studies were selected examining WeChat-based interventions versus usual care in patients with T1DM, T2DM, or GDM, reporting glycemic or cardiometabolic outcomes. The primary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).
Results7 studies encompassing 1,742 participants were included (six RCTs, one quasi-experimental study). WeChat-based interventions produced a statistically significant pooled reduction in HbA1c (MD -1.10%, 95% CI -1.78 to -0.42; I2 = 85%; four studies). Fasting blood glucose showed a non-significant directional reduction (MD -0.36 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.76 to 0.03). Two-hour postprandial glucose was significantly reduced (MD -0.21 mmol/L). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in intervention groups (MD -1.59), while systolic blood pressure did not reach significance.
ConclusionWeChat-based digital health interventions significantly reduce HbA1c and confer additional benefits on glycemic and cardiometabolic parameters across T1DM, T2DM, and GDM populations. These platforms represent a scalable, low-cost adjunct to conventional diabetes care, especially in Chinese primary health settings. Larger, methodologically rigorous trials with longer follow-up and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted.