Internet-Based Medication Management Services Improve Glycated Hemoglobin Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background:

Internet-based medication management services might help improve blood glucose control in patients with diabetes.

Introduction:

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to explore the effect of telemedicine patient management on blood glucose control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods:

This study included patients with T2DM from the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western medicine of Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital who consulted between January 2019 and December 2019; 120 patients were randomized to the control group (standard care) and the telemedicine group (in-hospital medication evaluation, drug reorganization, medical monitoring, and advice via telemedicine). The primary endpoint was targeted glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) <7.0% from baseline to 6 months. The secondary endpoints were the changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG), changes in daily medication cost, changes in the number of drug types taken daily, and hypoglycemic events.

Results:

Rates of HbA_1c <7% improved in the telemedicine groups (p = 0.019), whereas no changes were seen in the control group (p > 0.999). FBG levels decreased (telemedicine: p = 0.001; control: p = 0.007), but the differences were not statistically significant between groups. Daily medication costs decreased in the telemedicine group (p = 0.001), but the costs were similar between groups. The number of medication types decreased in the telemedicine group (p = 0.001). Hypoglycemic events decreased in the telemedicine group (p = 0.032), but not in the control group (p = 0.854).

Discussion:

Telemedicine could improve the rate of HbA_1c <7%.

Conclusions:

An internet-based medication management model was an effective telemedicine method for patients with T2DM.