Digital Health Technologies for Managing Metabolic Disorders in Older Adults: A Scoping Review (Preprint)
Journal
JMIR Preprints
Type
working paper
Date Issued
2026-07-24
Author(s)
Abstract
Objectives: To map the landscape of digital health technologies (DHTs) targeting metabolic disorders in older adults by identifying the metabolic conditions addressed, classifying DHTs according to their functional categories, and describing their primary intended users. Design: Scoping review following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The protocol was published in BMJ Open. Data sources: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched from January 2014 to March 2025. Eligibility criteria: Original research and evidence syntheses focused on DHTs for metabolic disorders in adults aged 65 years or older (or with a mean sample age ≥65 years), published in English. Data extraction and synthesis: Records were screened independently by two reviewers (agreement 93.4%, Cohen’s κ=0.47, prevalence-adjusted κ 0.87); update-search exclusions were verified by a further reviewer, and all studies underwent a final eligibility check. Data were charted using a standardized form; DHTs were classified using the Digital Therapeutics Alliance framework, and findings were synthesized descriptively.
Results: 89 studies were included, with publications increasing over time (27 in 2024). Care support was most frequent (n=36, 40.4%), followed by health and wellness (n=27, 30.3%), patient monitoring (n=16, 18.0%), digital diagnostics (n=7, 7.9%), and digital therapeutics (n=3, 3.4%). The most frequently addressed disorders were hypertension (n=59, 66.3%) and type 2 diabetes (n=41, 46.1%). Older adults were the most frequent users (n=81, 61.8% of 131 user instances), followed by healthcare professionals (n=46, 35.1%); informal caregivers were rarely involved.
Conclusions: DHTs for metabolic disorders in older adults are implemented predominantly as supportive tools for self-management and monitoring, with limited diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The evidence base is dominated by early-stage, observational studies. Future research should prioritize rigorous evaluation of clinical effectiveness, broader coverage of conditions, and integration into care pathways.
Results: 89 studies were included, with publications increasing over time (27 in 2024). Care support was most frequent (n=36, 40.4%), followed by health and wellness (n=27, 30.3%), patient monitoring (n=16, 18.0%), digital diagnostics (n=7, 7.9%), and digital therapeutics (n=3, 3.4%). The most frequently addressed disorders were hypertension (n=59, 66.3%) and type 2 diabetes (n=41, 46.1%). Older adults were the most frequent users (n=81, 61.8% of 131 user instances), followed by healthcare professionals (n=46, 35.1%); informal caregivers were rarely involved.
Conclusions: DHTs for metabolic disorders in older adults are implemented predominantly as supportive tools for self-management and monitoring, with limited diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The evidence base is dominated by early-stage, observational studies. Future research should prioritize rigorous evaluation of clinical effectiveness, broader coverage of conditions, and integration into care pathways.
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
No
Publisher
JMIR Publications
Subject(s)
Division(s)