Rossi MC, Nicolucci A, Lucisano G, Pellegrini F, Di Bartolo P, Miselli V, Anichini R, Vespasiani G. Impact of the "Diabetes Interactive Diary" telemedicine system on metabolic control, risk of hypoglycemia, and quality of life: a randomized clinical trial in type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes Technol Ther 2013;
15:670-9. [PMID:
23844569 DOI:
10.1089/dia.2013.0021]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Telemedicine systems based on mobile phones represent new promising educational tools. The "Diabetes Interactive Diary" (DID) is a carbohydrate/bolus calculator promoting the patient-physician communication via short message service. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the DID versus usual care on metabolic control, hypoglycemia, and quality of life.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients with type 1 diabetes on a basal:bolus regimen with insulin glargine and insulin glulisine, not previously educated on carbohydrate (CHO) counting, were randomized to DID (Group A; n=63) or traditional education (Group B; n=64). Generalized hierarchical linear regression models for repeated measures were applied to compare changes between groups. Incidence of hypoglycemia was compared using Poisson regression models.
RESULTS
Of 127 patients (age, 36.9±10.5 years; diabetes duration, 16.3±9.3 years), 15 (11.8%) dropped out. After 6 months, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels decreased by -0.49±0.11 in Group A and -0.48±0.11 in Group B (P=0.73). Group A showed a 86% lower risk of grade 2 hypoglycemia than Group B. Compared with usual care, DID improved the "perceived frequency of hyperglycemic episodes" scale of the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire and the "social relations" and the "fear of hypoglycemia" dimensions of the Diabetes Specific Quality of Life Scale. Results obtained with DID markedly differ among patients and centers.
CONCLUSIONS
DID is no more effective than traditional CHO counting education in reducing HbA1c levels. DID reduces the risk of moderate/severe hypoglycemia and improves quality of life. A better understanding of patients' and healthcare professionals' attitudes associated with an effective care supported by technology is essential to avoid waste of resources.
Collapse