Table 1 Description of SMS4BG modules
Module | Description | Participants | Duration | Example message |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Core module | Two messages per week providing general motivation and support for diabetes management. Available in 3 version: Māori Pacific Non-Māori/non-Pacific | All | 3 to 9 months | SMS4BG: Kia ora. Control of your glucose levels involves eating the right kai, exercise & taking your medication. Your whānau, doctor & nurse can help you |
SMS4BG: Talofa (name). by managing your diabetes well (including eating well and exercising) you can show your family that diabetes can be controlled | ||||
SMS4BG: There is no quick fix to diabetes but with good management it will have less impact on your life and leave you more time to do the things you enjoy | ||||
Insulin module | One educational text message per week around insulin management and hypos for patients receiving insulin | Available to participants who are prescribed insulin | 3 to 9 months | SMS4BG: Keep unopened insulin in the fridge. Don’t use insulin that has changed colour, is lumpy, expired, cracked or leaking, or has been frozen or overheated |
Young adult module | One message per week around managing diabetes in the context or work/school and social situations | Available to participants aged 16–24 | 3 to 9 months | SMS4BG: Unsure whether to tell your friends/boyfriend/girlfriend about diabetes? This can be tough but people who care about you will want to know & support you |
Smoking cessation module | One message per month encouraging participants to consider quitting smoking and providing details of services for support | All participants who register as smokers | 3 to 9 months | SMS4BG: (hi) (name). Good management of your diabetes & your future health includes not smoking, call Quitline on 0800 778 778 for support |
Lifestyle behaviour modules | Up to 4 messages per week encouraging participants to set a lifestyle goal and supporting them to work towards this goal. Participants can receive one of these modules for 3 months. The three lifestyle modules are: Healthy eating Exercise Stress and mood | Available to all participants | Each module 3 months | SMS4BG: Healthy eating is an important part of your diabetes treatment and it will help you in controlling your blood glucose levels |
SMS4BG: If you are too tired to exercise at the end of the day, try waking up early & doing your exercise in the morning. It will energise you for the day | ||||
SMS4BG: (hi) (name). Make sure you have fun activities scheduled regularly. Doing something enjoyable helps reduce stress & improves mood | ||||
Blood glucose monitoring | Reminders to test blood glucose, sent at a frequency selected by the patient, for which they are encouraged to respond by reply text message with their blood sugar readings. In addition informational messages around managing hypos. | Available to all participants required to monitor their blood glucose | 3 to 9 months | SMS4BG: (hi) (name). Just a reminder it is time to check your blood glucose. Reply with the result. |
If valid response received to reminder, ‘SMS4BG: Thank you for sending your result’ | ||||
SMS4BG: Hypoglycaemias (hypos) are when your blood glucose drops too low (i.e. less than 4 mmol/L). If this happens take something with sugar immediately | ||||
Foot care module | Reminders and motivational messages supporting engagement in foot care | Available to those who are classified as high risk or have active foot disease | 3 to 9 months | SMS4BG: Looking after your feet will help to prevent issues in the future. Check your feet daily & contact your doctor, nurse or podiatrist if there are changes |
Cardiovascular check reminder | Reminder to engage in a yearly cardiovascular assessment | Available to those who qualify | 3 months | SMS4BG: (hi) (name). Next time you see your doctor ask about getting a cardiovascular check done. You should have one each year |