A review of telemedicine interventions in diabetes care

Abstract

We reviewed the literature concerning the use of telemedicine interventions in diabetes care. The PubMed database was searched for randomized controlled trials concerning the use of telemedicine for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A total of 27 articles (studies) met the inclusion criteria. The interventions concerned videoconferencing ( n = 8), mobile phones ( n = 10) and telephone calls ( n = 9). There was metabolic improvement in 23 studies, which was significant in 12 out of 23 (44%). Only two studies (8%) reported a negative clinical outcome. The majority of the studies ( n = 19; 70%) employed behavioural therapy as the key intervention. The medium used for interaction in behavioural therapy intervention was videoconferencing ( n = 7), mobile phone ( n = 4), telephone calls ( n = 8), feedback letters ( n = 2). Telemedicine appears to be a promising alternative to conventional therapy.