Averting Complications and Improving Quality of Life (QOL) in T2D Adhering to a Telemedicine Program for 15 Years

ABSTRACT

Background: Pros and cons of telemedicine (TM) in different specialties, haves been highly debated during the COVID pandemic. With Diabetes Tele Management System (DTMS®), TM-based treatment follow-up and integrated EMR in our centre since 1997, changes in dosages, diet and exercise are carried out via telephone/email by a multidisciplinary diabetes team 24*7, based on reported structured glucose values and remote monitoring. Aim: We assessed long-term outcomes of DTMS® along with QoL in patients adhering to DTMS® compared with non-adherent patients (NAP). Method: T2D (n = 495, age = 62.91 + 11.64) with a follow-up via DTMS® for ≥15 years were de-identified and clinical characteristics were extracted from EMR. Validated questionnaire was administered to capture QoL (Eq-5D) from June to Aug 2020. Treatment group (TG) comprised 267 subjects who have had a minimum of 3 physical consultations, 5 TM consultations and attended at least one patient education session per year. Control group (CG) (n = 184) comprised of NAP, who did not fit the above criteria. The scores were analysed statistically and compared using an independent sample “t” test. Results: From a total of 495 (61.2% male) screened, 451 complemented the data. Significant reductions in glycemic and non-glycemic parameters and complications were observed in TG when compared to CG (Table 1). [Formula presented] Discussion: The results indicate that greater adherence to a cost-effective and structured TM system (DTMS®) can help prevent diabetes complications and achieve and sustain the targets in diabetes and significantly improve QoL.