Table 1.

Examples of app messages.

Category	Message
What is diabetes?	Diabetes results from inherited and/or acquired deficiency in insulin production or by the ineffectiveness of the insulin produced.
	In a diabetic state, insulin function is impaired, therefore the body needs conscious help to manage blood sugar by eating right, exercising, taking medications appropriately and reducing stress.
Health food choices	Stay motivated to eat healthy. When new foods are eaten, testing of blood sugar before and 2 hours after the first bite is recommended in order to see the effect of the food on the blood sugar.
	Vegetables are rich in fibre, make you comfortably full, have vitamins for healthy immune system and most likely not spike your blood sugar level.
Physical activity	Exercise improves bone strength, keeps the heart and blood vessels healthy and lowers insulin resistance.
	Exercise does not have to involve the whole day. You can split it up into 10 minutes, 3 times a day at a convenient period for you.
	If you are on insulin and planning for prolonged exercise, if your blood sugar level is below 6 mmol/L, it is advisable to eat an extra carbohydrate.
Medication usage	Some diabetes medicines can lose effectiveness if they are old or stored improperly. For example, insulin should not be frozen or exposed to extreme heat.
	If you often forget to take your medications, setting a reminder or alert may help you.
	Do not inject insulin on moles or scars because it slows absorption rate and limit insulin effectiveness.
Monitoring blood glucose	Some of the important times to test blood glucose include before breakfast (fasting), 2 h after a meal, before rigorous exercise, before bed, when you are not feeling well.
	Regular testing of blood sugar improves confidence to look after diabetes, give a better understanding of the impact of food intake, medication, exercise and other factors such as stress and illness on blood glucose.
Reducing the risk of complications	Keeping appointment with the eye/foot doctor, endocrinologist and other health care team is a great way to detect on time any complication development.
	Smoking increases the risk of developing acute and chronic complications in diabetes mellitus.
	Keep your foot healthy by checking regularly for any changes, washing daily and wear shoes that fit properly. In the occurrence of unexplainable blisters, cuts or openings, it is best to consult your doctor.