Improving Diabetes Control Through Remote Glucose Monitoring in a Diabetes Self-Management Program for Employees of a Health System

Abstract

IN BRIEF This study investigates the combination of diabetes education, telehealth, a wireless enabled meter, and medication algorithms to improve care for a targeted population of employees with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. After more than 2 years of follow-up, mean A1C was reduced by 1.8%, and a reduction was observed in cost of care, along with an increase in visits with the managing physician provider. Thus, this study showed improved diabetes control using new technologies to provide remote monitoring and telehealth augmenting the outreach and education provided in a diabetes self-management program.

Identifying User Requirements for an Integrated E-Health Unit for Diabetes Mellitus

“…The findings of the paper are in accordance with those of Jaana and Paré [38] and others [10][11][12][13], suggesting that patients and providers will need to demonstrate continued ongoing compliance and favorable medical and economic results before these programs will be funded on a widespread basis for long-term care. Moreover, as Klonoff [39] points out, telemedicine systems are hindered by technical and structural problems that are being corrected gradually and will likely be solved in the near future.…”

“…Many research initiatives and projects have confirmed that telehealth can support the effective and efficient application of continuity of care in diabetes [8][9][10][11][12]. Crossen, Raymond and Neinstein [13] proposed 10 steps for successfully implementing a diabetes telehealth program.…”

“…When planning for dedicated telehealth rooms like COMETECH e-health units, they should be located in a quiet area away from loud mechanical equipment, foot traffic, the central utility plant and exterior noise sources. A telehealth room also must be designed for the sound isolation rating appropriate for its clinical function [2,10,12]. In designing to achieve this minimum sound transmission class rating, consideration of all portions of the room envelope is recommended, including walls, floor/ceiling assemblies, doors and glazing, as well as field conditions that may affect the performance of those elements [2,22,23].…”

Effect of remote management on comprehensive management of diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 epidemic

“…At least every 2–4 weeks, they contacted each patient by telephone, message, e-mail, instrument information and sent diabetes education knowledge. After two years of follow-up, mean HbA1C was reduced by 1.8%, and patients’ diabetes knowledge, self-management and self-monitoring were improved [ 32 ].…”

Structured Outpatient Diabetes Education and Telehealth Follow-up to Improve HbA1c

“…Numerous researchers have demonstrated effectiveness of provider-and nurse-initiated monitoring interventions that aim to increase patients' self-care, which has resulted in positive outcomes, including decreased HbA 1c levels. [12][13][14] Interventions varied from standardized educational sessions with practical demonstrations to phone calls, texts, telehealth sessions, and technological tools. Odom et al 14 found that a combination of diabetes education, telehealth, a wireless-enabled meter, and medication algorithms reduced mean HbA 1c in diabetic patients by 1.8% and lowered the cost of care.…”