The review indicates that most telemedicine strategies can be useful , either as an adjunct or to replace usual care , leading to clinical ly meaningful reduction in HbA1c
The effects of telemedicine strategies on the management of diabetes is not clear .
This study aim ed to investigate the impact of different telemedicine strategies on glycaemic control management of type 2 diabetes patients .
Nurse follow-up of patients with diabetes: randomized controlled trial.
AIM This paper reports a study comparing the outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing either early discharge or routine care .  BACKGROUND The hospital is not the best place to monitor the glycaemic control of patients with diabetes with no other morbidity or complications . It is an unnatural environment in which diet is planned and the activity level is low . The hospital is also an expensive place in which to treat patients . METHODS This r and omized controlled trial was conducted in the medical department of a regional hospital in Hong Kong . A total of 101 patients who needed glycaemic monitoring , but who were otherwise fit for discharge , were recruited . The control group continued to receive routine hospital care . The study group was discharged early and received a follow-up programme which included a weekly or biweekly telephone call from a nurse . FINDINGS When compared with the control group , the study group had a greater decrease in HbA1c at 24 weeks , although the statistical difference was marginal ( 7.6 vs. 8.1 , P = 0.06 ) , a higher blood monitoring adherence score at both 12 weeks ( 5.4 vs. 3.6 , P < 0.001 ) and 24 weeks ( 5.3 vs. 3.5 , P < 0.001 ) , and a higher exercise adherence score at 12 weeks ( 5.3 vs. 3.4 , P = 0.001 ) and 24 weeks ( 5.5 vs. 3.2 , P < 0.001 ) . The study group had a shorter hospital stay ( 2.2 vs. 5.9 , P < 0.001 ) , and the net savings were HK$11,888 per patient . CONCLUSION It is feasible to integrate treatment into the real life environments of patients with diabetes , and nurse-led transitional care is a practical and cost-effective model . Nurse follow-up is effective in maintaining optimal glycaemic control and enhancing adherence to health behaviours . Management of glycaemic control is better done in the community than in the hospital
The review indicates that most telemedicine strategies can be useful , either as an adjunct or to replace usual care , leading to clinical ly meaningful reduction in HbA1c
The effects of telemedicine strategies on the management of diabetes is not clear .
This study aim ed to investigate the impact of different telemedicine strategies on glycaemic control management of type 2 diabetes patients .