WhatsApp-delivered lifestyle intervention in Singaporeans with prediabetes: A feasibility study

Singapore has the second-highest proportion of people with diabetes among developed nations. One in three elderly people (aged 60 years and above) have diabetes in Singapore. Prediabetes, a precursor stage to diabetes, affects 22% of those aged 60 and above. Early preclinical changes to the microvasculature are often observable at the prediabetes stage and most people with prediabetes will eventually progress to have diabetes.

This transition is preventable with lifestyle modification interventions. Mobile phone-delivered interventions, i.e. mHealth, have been proven to be effective for prevention and management of a range of chronic diseases, and are increasingly used for diabetes.

The aim of this study will be to carry-out a developmental phase for a randomised trial assessing cost-effectiveness of messaging app-delivered diabetes prevention intervention compared to usual care in working Singaporeans with prediabetes. The study will also examine the feasibility of recruiting participants through digital platforms, such as Facebook.