<![CDATA[Patients with DM Type 2 often face challenges in consistently performing self-care, especially foot care, which can lead to serious complications such as diabetic foot ulcers. Knowledge of diabetes and health literacy are key factors affecting self-care practices. Mobile-based digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support education, reminders, and continuous monitoring to improve diabetes management in primary care. This study aimed to analyze the needs of DM Type 2 patients in self-care and to design a preliminary prototype of a mobile application integrated with AI as a supportive self-care tool tailored to patients and healthcare providers. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 112 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for the quantitative phase using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24), Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), and eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 5 patients and 3 healthcare providers. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings guided the design of a preliminary mobile application prototype with Artificial Intelligence (AI) features. Most patients had sufficient diabetes knowledge (67.9%) but low self-care (79.5%) and health literacy (59.8%). Positive correlations were found between diabetes knowledge and self-care (ρ = 0.383; p < 0.001) and between health literacy and self-care (ρ = 0.755; p < 0.001). Patients understood basic DM management but often neglected foot care and expressed high interest in using a digital application with reminders, guidance, and AI-based personalized recommendations. The initial mobile AI-based application prototype is relevant, user-centered, and has the potential to improve self-care practices, particularly foot care, among DM Type 2 patients in primary healthcare.]]>
