Cost-Effective Use of Telemedicine and Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose via Diabetes Tele Management System (DTMS) to Achieve Target Glycosylated Hemoglobin Values Without Serious Symptomatic Hypoglycemia in 1,000 Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—A Retrospective Study

Abstract

DTMS, based on telemedicine follow-up and multidisciplinary care with SMBG-based monitoring, appears to be safe and cost-effective in the intensive treatment of T2D without serious co-morbidities. This system also avoids limitations of a traditional health care such as the need for very frequent physical visits for each and every drug dose adjustment, diet, and exercise advice.

The use of videophone technology (telenursing) in the glycaemic control of diabetic patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…In a tele medicine cohort study on type 2 diabetics by Kesavadev et al (2012), it was determined that the mean±SD A1c value was 8.5±1.4% at the initial visit and was reduced to 6.3±0.6% at 6 months (P<0.0001) [27]. In our study similar to these studies, decreased A1c levels were found at sixth months.…”

Interactive Video Telehealth Models to Improve Access to Diabetes Specialty Care and Education in the Rural Setting: A Systematic Review

“…Improved access to quality care and reductions in health care utilization expenses are additional benefits of telehealth technology. Three of the four telehealth cost analysis reviews demonstrated promising benefits with regard to reducing treatment costs and complications for patients living in rural areas (13–16). Varied telehealth models are available as an alternative to in-person medical and educational encounters.…”

“…Six telehealth models reviewed used an endocrinologist at an urban site working in partnership with a diabetes educator, nurse, or registered dietitian (RD) in a rural location to provide focused DSME (7,16–20). Siminerio et al (17) performed behavioral and psychosocial surveys and monitored A1C measures at baseline and after telehealth programs over a 6-month timeframe in the Telemedicine for Reach, Education, Access, and Treatment (TREAT) model.…”

“…Patients ( n = 118) enrolled in an intervention study that provided DSME by telehealth in rural Montana adapted quickly to the new technology and openly shared personal or sensitive issues via the video conferencing system (7). High participant retention rates and cost savings on patients’ travel expenses and time away from work were major additional benefits using telehealth models (7,12,16,21). …”

The Empirical Evidence for the Telemedicine Intervention in Diabetes Management

“…52 The intervention consisted of a Diabetes Telemanagement System in which a team of physicians, educators, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and psychologists provided monitoring functions as well as educational programming and customized guidance for patients in the program. The team maintained electronic records for the patients that included detailed medical history, target glucose values, and life style factors.…”