This scoping review synthesised mHealth interventions for diabetes management in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), exploring their outcomes and effectiveness, implementation barriers and facilitators, and identifying evidence gaps to inform future research and practice.

Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-stage framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we systematically searched seven databases for English-language studies published from 2015 onwards. After screening 2,135 titles and abstracts and reviewing 213 full texts, 20 studies were included. Findings were synthesised narratively.

The 20 studies, conducted across 16 LMICs, evaluated SMS-based interventions (n = 6), mobile applications (n = 6), voice-based interventions (n = 5), and multicomponent digital platforms (n = 3). Most targeted type 2 diabetes (n = 13). Primary aims included glycaemic control (n = 15), diabetes self-management (n = 15), medication adherence (n = 8), and diabetes knowledge (n = 7), with additional improvements reported in health literacy and self-care behaviours. Common barriers included limited digital literacy, poor access to devices or connectivity, usability challenges, and low user engagement. Key facilitators included high mobile access, involvement of healthcare providers or peer educators, use of local languages, and social support. Evidence gaps included limited long-term evaluation, cultural adaptation beyond language, integration with health systems, and cost-effectiveness data.

mHealth interventions can support diabetes care in LMICs, with effectiveness driven more by design and system integration than by technological complexity. Sustainable impact requires simple, culturally relevant, and user-centred approaches that combine digital tools with human support, strengthen digital literacy, and are embedded within existing health systems.