Mobile Diabetes Intervention for Glycemic Control in 45- to 64-Year-Old Persons With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess effects of a mobile coaching system on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in younger versus older patients over 1 year. Participants (n = 118) included adult patients with Type 2 diabetes cared for by community physicians. Intervention patients received mobile phone coaching and individualized web portal. Control patients received usual care. Patients were stratified into two age groups: younger (<55 years) and older (≥55 years). The intervention resulted in greater 12-month declines in HbA1c, compared with usual care, for patients in both age groups (p < .0001). Among older patients, HbA1c changed by −1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [−2.4, −1.1]) in the intervention group and −0.3% (95% CI = [−0.9, +0.3]) in the control group. Among younger patients, HbA1c changed by −2.0% (95% CI = [−2.5, −1.5]) in the intervention group and −1.0% (95% CI = [−1.6, −0.4]) in the control group. The mobile health intervention was as effective at managing Type 2 diabetes in older adults as younger persons.

Keywords

glycemic control diabetes mobile health telehealth older adults

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