Telemedicine in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To explore a model of Internet-based integrated management of diabetes, we established a remote diabetes medical service platform (U-Healthcare) and evaluated its effectiveness and practicality.

Materials and methods: In total, 212 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Data from the intervention group were automatically transmitted through a glucometer; furthermore, this group received information regarding medicines, diet, exercise and other management through U-Healthcare. The control group received conventional medical treatment without any additional intervention. All patients were regularly followed up every 3 months for half a year.

Results: At the 3-month follow-up, fasting plasma glucose levels of the intervention group were significantly lower than those at the baseline as well as those of the control group. Triglyceride levels of the intervention group were much lower than those at the baseline. At the 6-month follow-up, 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels of the intervention group significantly improved compared with those of the control group. HbA1c levels gradually decreased every 3 months in the intervention group, and the mean change in the levels was significantly greater in this group than in the control group (from 1.27-0.68%). At the end of the study, more than 80% of the patients in the intervention group adhered to blood glucose monitoring 2-3 days per week, and their compliance degree was 72%.

Conclusions: The Internet-based U-Healthcare system of integrated management in diabetes not only achieved better glycemic control, effectively improved HbA1c levels and decreased triglyceride levels but also enhanced patients' adherence to the medical team's instructions.

Keywords: Diabetes; Telemedicine; U-Healthcare.