Virtual Voice Assistants Show Promise in Supporting Older Adults with Diabetes

An interactive virtual voice assistant can significantly reduce psychological distress and improve diabetes-related health outcomes in older adults living with type 2 diabetes, according to a randomized clinical study published in JAMA Network Open.

The Challenge: Psychological Distress and Diabetes Management

Older adults with diabetes often experience heightened psychological stress. This stress can complicate self-care efforts and contribute to unfavorable metabolic parameters, making effective diabetes management more difficult. Addressing these psychological factors is crucial for improving overall health in this population.

The Study: A Voice-Based Intervention

Researchers led by Lucas S. Matzenbacher from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil, investigated whether a voice-based virtual assistant, integrated with a behavioral intervention model, could alleviate this problem. The study, published in 2026, explored the potential of this technology to provide support and guidance to older adults with type 2 diabetes.

How Virtual Assistants Can Support

Virtual voice assistants offer a convenient and accessible way to deliver personalized support. They can:

• Provide reminders for medication and appointments.
• Offer guidance on healthy eating and exercise.
• Deliver emotional support and encouragement.
• Facilitate communication with healthcare providers.

JAMA Network Open: A Leading Open Access Journal

JAMA Network Open is a monthly, open-access medical journal published by the American Medical Association. Established in 2018, it covers all aspects of biomedical sciences and aims to improve health, healthcare, and health equity worldwide. The journal’s commitment to open access ensures that research findings are widely available to clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and the public. Currently, Eli Perencevich (University of Iowa) serves as the editor-in-chief, succeeding Fred Rivara (University of Washington) who founded the journal.

Future Directions

This research highlights the potential of virtual voice assistants as a valuable tool in diabetes care for older adults. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of these interventions and to optimize their design for maximum impact. As technology continues to evolve, virtual assistants are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting the health and well-being of aging populations.