Effects of mobile health interventions on health‐related outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic condition that is associated with multiple comorbidities. Apart from pharmacological approaches, patient self‐management remains the gold standard of care for diabetes. Improving patients' self‐management among the elderly with mobile health (mHealth) interventions is critical, especially in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the extent of mHealth efficacy in managing T2DM in the older population remains unknown. Hence, the present review examined the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on cardiometabolic outcomes in older adults with T2DM. Methods A systematic search from the inception till May 31, 2021, in the MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases was conducted, and 16 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Results The results showed significant benefits on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (mean difference −0.24%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.44, −0.05; p = 0.01), postprandial blood glucose (−2.91 mmol/L; 95% CI: −4.78, −1.03; p = 0.002), and triglycerides (−0.09 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.02; p = 0.010), but not on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.06 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.14, 0.02; p = 0.170), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.03, 0.13; p = 0.220), and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure −0.82 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.65, 3.00; p = 0.670; diastolic blood pressure −1.71 mmHg; 95% CI: −3.71, 0.29; p = 0.090). Conclusions Among older adults with T2DM, mHealth interventions were associated with improved cardiometabolic outcomes versus usual care. Its efficacy can be improved in the future as the current stage of mHealth development is at its infancy. Addressing barriers such as technological frustrations may help strategize approaches to further increase the uptake and efficacy of mHealth interventions among older adults with T2DM.

Usability evaluation of the educational website “understanding my diabetes” for Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes

“…It is crucial that healthcare professionals become guides in the use of technologies as new methods of learning. It has been reported that this approach increases patient trust, a better adherence to treatment and motivation in health education can be achieved (29,30). When the patients become acquainted with an education web site it is necessary and very important the follow-up by healthcare professionals.…”

Aproximación Teórica De La Diabetes

“…Recientes estudios en China demuestran que el efecto benéfico del uso de cardiometabolitos como los glicosilados de hemoglobina en pacientes adultos mayores con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2, (20).…”

Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Readiness for Adopting Digital Health Technologies: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

“…Digital health technologies, such as smartphone-based mobile apps or wearables, allow the measurement and tracking of clinical parameters, such as pain, fatigue, fever, arrhythmias, slower walking speed, and insufficient physical activity to prevent or improve the management of chronic diseases, frailty, morbidity, and mortality [ 7 ]. For instance, in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, digital health interventions (ie, mHealth) have been shown to be effective in improving cardiometabolic outcomes [ 8 ].…”