Web-based comprehensive information system for self-management of diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a web-based comprehensive information system, consisting of Internet and cellular phone use, on blood glucose control. METHODS: We established eMOD (electronic Management of Diabetes), a web-based ubiquitous information system, for cell phone users along with a website for Internet users to provide diabetes education. We examined whether this information system has the same impact on glycemic control as conventional education for the diabetes patient. Forty volunteers were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the eMOD experimental group (n = 20) or the control group (n = 20). Blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneous in terms of age, sex, and diabetes' duration at baseline. A1C (from 9.0 +/- 2.3% to 7.5 +/- 1.4%, P = 0.031) and postprandial glucose level (228.1 +/- 79.7 to 173.5 +/- 50.2 mg/dL, P = 0.030) were significantly decreased over time in the intervention group but not in the control group. There was a significant relationship between the change in A1C and the frequency of access to the eMOD system via cellular phone (r = 0.766, P = 0.03; coefficient -0.147). CONCLUSIONS: A1C was improved by a web-based intervention not only via computer but also via cellular phone at 6 months post-initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes. These results indicate that the use of a convenient web-based education system could be more effective for glycemic control than traditional education for diabetes patients.

Preliminary evaluation of a web site for depressive symptoms management.

The purpose of this study was to (1) evaluate the characteristics of website users in relation to their depressive symptoms and (2) pilot test the effectiveness of the depressive symptoms management program. Computer-assisted intervention is as effective as face-to-face treatment for managing depressive symptoms, which are one of the most common and destructive mental problems. This kind of system can be particularly useful in Korea where stigmatism exists for those who seek mental health care. Investigators developed a web site for depressive symptoms management (URL: http://www.baejy.com/smile) in 2004. During the first year the number of users was 582. The findings from this study will provide an intervention strategy for the prevention and management of depression.