The impact of online self-management interventions on midlife adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Online self-management education programmes are now recommended for people with type 2 diabetes to improve self-management capacities. There is limited evidence to determine whether such programmes improve the health outcomes for midlife adults with diabetes. Aims: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the impact of online self-management interventions with digital consulting on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and depression in midlife adults. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken searching Medline, Embase and CINAHL. Studies were appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Results: Eight studies were included. Online interventions resulted in the improvement of HbA1c (pooled mean difference on HbA1c: -0.35%, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.18), P<0.001). A narrative synthesis was conducted for all secondary outcomes. No conclusions could be drawn on the impact of these outcomes. Conclusion: Online interventions improve HbA1c. Further research is needed for secondary outcomes.