Utility of an Internet-based Short Message Service in the Care of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of an internet-based intervention system and a short message service (SMS) using cellular phones on the diabetes care and glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and Methods: Observational study in children with type 1 DM on basal bolus regimen. After administering diabetes care education children were divided in 2 groups, group I received timely SMS on diabetes care and group II did not. At the end of 3 months detailed data of diabetes care was recorded. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: In a total of 42 children, group I (21) who received the SMS and group II (21), completed the follow-up period of 3 months were included in the study. There was marginal improvement in glycosylated hemoglobin in group I (from 9.2 ± 1.7 to 8.8 ± 1.2); and a minimal increase observed in group II (from 8.8 ± 1.8 to 9.4 ± 1.9) (P > 0.05). The percentage of capillary blood glucose (CBG) values below and above the target range, mean CBG, frequency of self-monitoring blood glucose, significantly improved compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: SMS-based education program lead to a significant improvement in self-monitoring blood glucose frequency, diabetes self-care and marginal increase in glycemic control.