Impact of initial active engagement in self-monitoring with a telemonitoring device on glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes

Sci Rep. 2017 Jun 20;7(1):3866. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-03842-2.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of patient engagement in self-monitoring with a telemonitoring device on glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes. We conducted a subanalysis of the telemonitoring device study in Kaiser Permanente Northern California members. We divided the telemonitoring group into 53 frequent and 54 infrequent users based on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) frequency of the first 6 weeks. The frequency of SMBG transmitted from the telemonitoring device was examined over 24 weeks. Clinic and laboratory tests were collected at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. There was no significant difference in baseline HbA1c level between the two groups. After 6 months, change in HbA1c was -2.4 ± 1.6% among frequent users and -1.5 ± 1.5% among infrequent users (p = 0.003). The proportion of patients achieving target HbA1C level at 6 months was significantly higher among frequent users than among infrequent users. An increased frequency of SMBG was significantly correlated with a reduction in HbA1c at 6 months. In conclusion, initial active engagement in self-monitoring with a telemonitoring device could provide incremental improvement of glycemic control over 6 months.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring* / instrumentation
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring* / methods
  • Blood Glucose*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Telemetry* / instrumentation
  • Telemetry* / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A