Self-Management and Diabetes Mellitus mHealth, a Glance at the Present and a Glimpse into the Future.

mHealth is new technology that can help in the self-management of diabetes mellitus (DM), a highly prevalent metabolic disease. mHealth applications can enhance patient-provider communication, and improve health data capture and monitoring, patient education, and the provision of feedback. However, aspects related to the functions and content required in the application, as well as privacy, accuracy and the safety of patient data, should be managed. The use of mHealth in DM self-management can be optimized by overcoming technical, societal, and business barriers. Using appropriate behavioral change theories, the short and long-term effects of mHealth should be targeted. Providing interactive feedback is an important feature of any mHealth strategy, so as to ensure a closed-loop in DM management. Accuracy and validity of information included in the mHealth application is vital; therefore quality and appropriateness of the information should be assessed, and enhanced where necessary. Consideration for the perspectives of end-users is at the core of mHealth care. The effects of mHealth should be assessed in a real-world setting, rather than the current clinic-based studies. In conclusion, mHealth is a tool that provides an opportunity for integrated and coordinated DM care.