Objective To explore the application effect of a diabetes TCM chronic disease management App in type 2 diabetes patients. Methods A total of 89 type 2 diabetes inpatients were randomized into a control group (n=45) and an experimental group (n=44). The control group received routine diabetes education and follow-up, while the experimental group was managed additionally using a diabetes TCM chronic disease management App. Six months after the intervention, the glucose and serum lipid metabolism, the psychological distress level and quality of life between the two groups were compared. Results After the intervention, the HbA1c, the incidence rate of psychological distress, the total score of psychological distress, and the dimension score of interpersonal relationship related distress and physician related distress of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group, while the total score of the quality of life and the physical as well as mental dimension score were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion The diabetes TCM comprehensive nursing management program based on mobile phone App is beneficial to control glucose for type 2 diabetes patients, reduce their psychological distress and improve their quality of life.