Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau (KWNC) held the scientific research launching ceremony at 2 p.m. on 27 September 2018, publishing the research results of "Development and Effect of Mobile Phone Application (Sweetclub) on Self-Management for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Macao and Guangdong". It was found that the application users had a higher motivation and better performance in disease self-management and self-monitoring of blood glucose.

This research funded by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund was carried out by KWNC in collaboration with the Diabetes Centre of Kiang Wu Hospital (KWH). Project Leader and KWNC Assistant Professor Lok Ka In, as well as project members Dr. Fong Tong Hong and Advanced Specialist Nurse Ng In I from KWH Diabetes Centre presented the research objective and research findings during the launching ceremony.

Dr. Fong Tong Hong and Advanced Specialist Nurse Ng In I pointed out that the diabetes rate has been 8.3% in Macao, indicating that one out of every eleven people has been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes continues to rank among one of the top ten leading causes of death in Macao, severe complications, including diabetic nephropathy and cerebral vascular accident have been the major causes of death. In addition, research data have shown that being flooded with information from online resources, people with diabetes still have difficulties in diet management in terms of blood glucose and relevant health behaviours because of the lack of professional online platform for consultation. Meanwhile, healthcare personnel also have difficulties to provide personalized treatment and education by obtaining the patients' recent finger-prick blood glucose test results during the consultation period. Therefore, the research team has developed the mobile phone application "Sweetclub", hoping to help patients to carry out effective self-management through the supervision and management functions of the application.

KWNC Assistant Professor Lok Ka In mentioned that the interface of "Sweetclub" is very user-friendly with a simple recording function which can record patients' blood glucose, blood pressure, medication, diet and exercise, as well as generate data into graphs to help patients, their families and medical personnel to master patients' health status. In addition, the application is also equipped with personalized reminders, online doctor consultation and communication function which enables exchanges between patients. It is believed that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can effectively manage themselves and reduce complications with the use of "Sweetclub". KWNC Assistant Professor Lok Ka In also hoped that "Sweetclub" would be promoted to other regions in which Cantonese was mainly used, so that more patients could manage themselves through technological products and take the initiative to manage their own health.

The guests attending the launching ceremony included Senior Manager of the Department of Science and Technology Chu Iek Man, Secretary-General of Committee of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Chan Tan Mui, Vice President of the Chinese Educators Association of Macau Sam Io Cheong, Vice Director of Macau General Union of the Neighborhood Associations Iu Ka Chung, as well as KWNC and KWH representatives. In addition, the kick-off ceremony of "Sweetclub" also took place during the event. The mobile application has been available for free download from now on. Please contact the research team at 6342 7378 for enquiries.