Telehealth for diabetes management is a practical and effective option for patients living with diabetes. Research points to telehealth transforming how individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) receive care and improving their overall quality of life. This article summarizes 3 studies showing its effectiveness in enhanced care, better glucose management, and medication adherence.
Telehealth for Diabetes Management: Enhancing Care and Quality of Life
A study published in Frontiers compared telehealth for diabetes management visits and traditional in-person care in rural communities for diabetic adults with T1D. The study had 55 participants, 29 in the conventional and 26 in the telehealth groups. The traditional group had in-person visits at 1, 3, and 6 months, while the telehealth group had virtual consultations from months 1 to 4 and in-person visits at baseline and 6 months. The study compared the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between the two groups after six months of care.
Researchers found that there were no significant differences in HbA1c levels between the groups. They concluded that telehealth is as effective as in-person visits in maintaining metabolic control for individuals with T1D. However, the benefits of telehealth for diabetes management extend beyond glycemic control.
The telehealth group experienced a significant improvement in the time range, indicating better glucose management and a reduction in time above the desired content. Moreover, participants in the telehealth group reported an enhanced quality of life.
Cost and Accessibility Advantage
Another notable advantage of telehealth for diabetes management is decreased participant cost. Virtual consultations eliminate the need for travel and reduce travel expenses. By leveraging telehealth, individuals in rural areas can receive high-quality care without the high costs and time commitments of traveling to specialized clinics. In addition, the results affirm the telehealth for diabetes management model compared to a traditional model for managing T1D. Telehealth maintains glycemic control on par with conventional care, decreasing healthcare professional costs.
Telehealth for Diabetes Management: Preventive Foot Care
Diabetes poses a global challenge for foot health, as it can lead to severe complications. A study published in JMIR Nursing evaluated a telehealth diabetes management program for preventive diabetes foot care. The study assessed feasibility, usability, and self-reported changes in knowledge and behaviors.
Participants received diabetes foot education involving in video conferences with a nurse practitioner. Out of 39 patients, telehealth was well-received, with positive attitudes reported. Additionally, diabetes knowledge significantly improved.
In fact, participants showed better self-care behaviors. Behaviors included increased foot care, healthy eating, and physical activity. In addition, the frequency of foot self-examinations and general foot care behaviors improved.
The researchers concluded that a nurse-led telehealth program focusing on diabetes foot care is feasible and acceptable. It can enhance diabetes knowledge and self-care behaviors, reducing the risk of severe foot complications. By improving knowledge and promoting self-care, this program contributes to better management of diabetes and reduces the risk of debilitating foot complications.
Telehealth for Diabetes Management and Patient Medication Adherence
Medication adherence is a critical aspect of diabetes management. In the context of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), telehealth interventions have emerged as a potential solution for enhancing medication adherence.
A meta-analysis review of telehealth interventions for patients with T2DM, evaluated the impact on medication adherence. Researchers reviewed 18 studies published between 2000 and December 2022. Results revealed a significant increase in medication adherence among the intervention group receiving telehealth interventions. Subgroup analysis showed that factors such as HbA1c value, mean age, and intervention duration significantly influenced the outcomes.
The findings highlight the effectiveness of telehealth for diabetes management interventions in improving medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. According to the researchers, telehealth offers the potential to overcome barriers to accessing and engaging patients remotely. In addition, they suggest telehealth interventions can be considered an integral component of disease management for individuals with T2DM. Furthermore, they recommend that healthcare providers expand the implementation of telehealth for diabetes interventions in clinical practices to enhance medication adherence and improve the overall outcomes of patients with T2DM.
New Research: Key Points
Telehealth for diabetes management is becoming a powerful tool for enhancing care and improving the quality of life for patients. The studies demonstrate that telehealth interventions can effectively maintain metabolic control, prevent severe foot complications, and improve medication adherence in diabetes patients. As technology advances, telehealth offers new possibilities for optimizing diabetes management and transforming the lives of millions worldwide.
If you would like to discover more about the world of remote patient monitoring and telehealth, visit the Tenovi blog, where you’ll find informative past summaries on the latest studies and research.
