Impact of technology use in type 2 diabetes distress: A systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Diabetes distress is an important factor in treatment outcomes and results in poor behavioral and biological consequences. Technology has been used in management programs of diabetes to improve communication between patients and health care providers and to promote education about the disease and its psychological aspects, which can impact the self-efficacy of the programs. However, the true impact of technological approaches on the management of type 2 diabetes distress remains controversial. AIM To investigate the effectiveness of technology interventions on the management of type 2 diabetes distress. METHODS Studies published from 2014 to 2019 were searched in five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Library and Information Science Source, Academic Search Ultimate and PsycINFO. The Boolean logic search terms were: (1) T2Diabetes; (2) diabetes distress; and (3) technology OR mobile OR phone OR application OR web. We also systematically searched the reference lists of the included studies and relevant reviews. Randomized controlled trials with technology interventions, type 2 diabetes patients and diabetes distress as the outcome were selected. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed. RESULTS Of the 88 studies selected, nine full articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to final careful review. On the JADAD scale, one article was classified as having poor quality and eight as having good quality. Six out of nine articles showed that technology interventions had a positive impact on diabetes distress scale scores when compared with the initial data. Among the six articles, five showed a greater reduction in the diabetes distress scores from control interventions. Web-based interventions had good results when users received personalized feedback and routine caregiver support and attention. CONCLUSION Technology interventions can contribute positively to the management of type 2 diabetes distress, especially with a tailored approach in conjunction with caregiver interaction with patients.

Improving Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Using Mobile Applications and e-Coaching: A Mixed Treatment Comparison Network Meta-Analysis

“…18,19 In addition, in previous SRs, the mobile app had a significant effect on the management of HbA1c in DM patients, but some SRs concluded that the function of the health care professionals was important for the apps to exert their effects. 9,20-24 The present study compared the effectiveness of usual care with that of an app with or without e-coaching interventions in patients with T2DM management using MTC methodology. An analysis, according to the follow-up period, showed that apps with or without e-coaching interventions were more effective treatments for reducing the HbA1c values, FBS, and hypoglycemia frequency than usual care.…”

Patient Perspectives on the Benefits and Challenges of Diabetes and Digital Technology

“…It can also ease disease burden and has the potential to improve work productivity ( 17 , 18 ). In addition, it can positively contribute to the management of diabetes distress, which is defined as concerns or fears related to diagnosis, risk of complications, self-management demands, untimely responses from providers, and quality of interpersonal relationships ( 19 ).…”