Effectiveness of information technology-based interventions for diabetes mellitus in glycemic control in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review.

Diabetes technology, comprising medical devices and digital health technologies, offers the ability to enhance glycemic control and quality of life. Knowledge of the effects of these interventions could improve the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of Information Technology (IT)-based interventions for glycemic control in Saudi Arabia. A total of 126 studies were found (49 publications found in PubMed, 46 in Web of Science, and 32 in ScienceDirect) using database searches. After 117 exclusions, nine studies comprising 5626 patients published between January 1, 2015, and March 24, 2025, were included. The following outcomes were assessed: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and such secondary measures as diabetic knowledge, patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, diabetes distress, and behavioral self-efficacy. IT-based interventions, including self-management systems, electronic medical records, and telemedicine, significantly reduced HbA1c and FBS levels. Improvements were also noted in diabetes knowledge, patient satisfaction, and self-efficacy of individuals with diabetes. These interventions also showed benefits in cost-effectiveness and reduced diabetes-related distress, supporting their value in diabetes care. IT-based interventions are effective in improving glycemic control and self-management of patients with T2DM in Saudi Arabia. Their integration into standard diabetes care aligns with national healthcare modernization under Vision 2030.