Multifactorial intervention in diabetes care using real-time monitoring and tailored feedback in type 2 diabetes

Multifactorial intervention in diabetes care using real-time monitoring and tailored feedback in type 2 diabetes

First Review

This is a review for the article co-authored by Soo Lim, Seon Mee Kang,Kyoung Min Kim, Jae Hoon Moon,Sung Hee Choi, Hee Hwang, Hye Seung Jung, Kyong Soo Park, Jun Oh Ryu and Hak Chul Jang, Multifactorial intervention in diabetes care using real-time monitoring and tailored feedback in type 2 diabetes

Background and Purpose

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can be hard to manage, especially in older people. Patients have to be vigilant with what they eat and exercise regularly to properly control glycemic levels. In a randomized clinical trial, patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and over the age of 60 were assigned to two groups: a self monitored blood glucose group (SMBG) and a group that was educated to use a specially designed glucometer and an activity monitor, both of which automatically transmitted data to a hospital based server (u-healthcare). A CDSS system used the information sent to the server and clinical knowledge to send information specific to each patient about glucose levels, diet and physical activities. The information could be viewed via a mobile or web interface.

Result

The number of patients with HbA1c < 7 % without hypoglycemia was greater in the u-healthcare group (26 %) than in the SMBG group (12 %; P < 0.05). Body fat mass decreased and lipid profiles improved in the u-healthcare group but not in the SMBG group.

Comments

It seems using real time technological tools can be extremely helpful in helping diabetes patients properly manage their condition. This technology can also be applied to other chronic diseases and could be integrated with PHR applications.

Second Review

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