The Effect of Comprehensive Tele-Education in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of remote education given via telehealth to individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes on exercise goals, physical activity, nutrition, medication habits and diabetes problems. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 30 patients with diabetes mellitus (15 tele-education, 15 routine education). Individuals were educated about general information about diabetes, nutrition therapy, exercise, physical activity, drug therapy, and acute/chronic complications. Participants were evaluated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Goal Orientation in Exercise Measurement, Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale. Results: In terms of MNA scores, only the decrease in the score of routine rehabilitation was significant (p=0.041). The MNA score did not differ between the tele-education and routine rehabilitation groups (p>0.05). Finally, the education program did not affect the other scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study results showed that tele-education can only positively affect nutrition. However, both tele-education and routine training provided similar and ineffective results. Future studies could focus on remote education programs delivered through different educational methods.