Development of web-based tool for carbohydrates count and hydration status tracking for diabetic patients (Type 2)
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT, Lahore
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread and increasing health challenge in Pakistan and it is considered as a lifestyle issue among millions due to the lack of disease awareness. This condition is managed also by effective management of oneself which includes proper carbohydrate counting, adequate hydration and many others. Nonetheless, the majority of the available digital diabetes management tools target Western populations and miss localization through the language, food content, and the ability to use them by older adults. The purpose of this research was to create and test a web-based formulation that will suit the requirements of diabetic patients with Type 2 in Pakistan. This tool incorporated a localized carbohydrate counter, tailored around Pakistani foods, a system to track hydration appropriate to the user in the context of age and weight, and an approachable Urdu interface. It was decided to use a mixed-methods design, including the development of some tools, which were pilot-tested with sixteen diabetic patients in Lahore, and quantitative and qualitative feedback analysis of such tools. The findings revealed that the participants have gained major improvements in their knowledge related to the intake of carbohydrates and hydration. Reported changes in behavior involved food preferences and intake of water. The tool was given a high score on usability, the cultural applicability, perceived usefulness. These results indicate that a customized local-based digital solution can be considerably helpful in the self-management of diabetes in underrepresented groups