Blended Resources for Integrated Diabetes Guidance and Empowerment

Effectiveness and Implementation of an AI-Driven Blended Care Model for Type 2 Diabetes Management in Primary Care: A Single-Blind, Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Zhangjiagang, China

The goal of this cluster randomized clinical trial is to learn if an AI-enabled blended care model (the BRIDGE program) works to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It will also learn about the cost-effectiveness and implementation feasibility of this model in primary care settings. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does the AI-driven intervention lower HbA1c levels (blood sugar) compared to standard care?

Does this model improve participants' quality of life, self-management behaviors, and digital literacy?

Researchers will compare the "Diet-Medicine Companion" (Shi Yi Ban Lv) mini-program combined with family doctor support to standard community care to see if the blended care model works to manage diabetes.

Participants will:

Use the "Diet-Medicine Companion" mini-program to upload diet photos daily and receive AI feedback for 6 months

Receive periodic guidance and phone reminders from case administrators (family doctors)

Complete questionnaires and blood tests (HbA1c) at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 to 70 years (inclusive).
• Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level ≥ 6.5%.
• Resided in the local area for at least 6 months.
• Capable of using a smartphone to take photos and use the WeChat mini-program.
• Willing and able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or secondary diabetes.
• Presence of severe diabetic complications.
• Received radiotherapy or chemotherapy within the past 6 months.
• Diagnosed with severe intellectual disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or other serious psychiatric disorders.
• Current participation in other research projects that may affect the results of this study.
• Presence of other severe disabilities or medical conditions deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigators.