Results Telemedicine programs that include a nutritional component show similar effect in diabetes management as those programs that do not .
Furthermore , subgroup analysis reveals that nutritional intervention via SMS such as email and text messages is at least as equally effective in reducing HbA1c when compared to personal nutritional counseling with a practitioner over videoconference or telephone .
Conclusion The inclusion of nutritional counseling as part of a telemedicine program does not make a significant difference to diabetes outcomes .
Incorporating nutritional counseling into telemedicine programs via SMS is at least as effective as counseling via telephone or videoconference
Background A growing number of studies and review s have documented the impact of telemedicine on diabetes management .
However , no meta- analysis has assessed whether including nutritional counseling as part of a telemedicine program has a significant impact on diabetes outcomes or what kind of nutritional counseling is most effective .
A randomized controlled trial of telephone calls to young patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE To determine if scheduled telephone calls from a pediatric diabetes educator to children who have type 1 diabetes improve hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) level , hospital admissions , diabetes knowledge , compliance , and psychological well-being . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A r and omized controlled trial of 123 young subjects ( mean age 11.9 yr , 69 male ) with type 1 diabetes ( mean duration 3.65 yr ) . For 7 months , the intervention group held bimonthly 15 - 30 min scheduled supportive telephone discussion s. The primary outcome was change in the HbA1c level . Admission rates and changes in diabetes knowledge , psychological parameters , compliance , and patient perception were measured . RESULTS There was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups either before or after the intervention . The mean HbA1c level in the control group increased from 8.32 to 8.82 % and in the intervention group from 8.15 to 8.85 % ( p = 0.24 ) . Both groups showed an increase in admissions of 0.2 per yr ( p = 0.57 ) . There was no improvement in diabetes knowledge ( p = 0.34 ) , compliance , or psychological function . The intervention group viewed their contact with the clinic as more helpful ( p = 0.003 ) . Analysis of family function did not reveal subgroups with statistically significant differences . A mean of 13 calls was made to each subject at a cost of 36 Australian dollars per child per month . CONCLUSIONS Scheduled bimonthly phone support does not improve the HbA1c level , admission rates , diabetes knowledge , psychological function , or self-management but is perceived by patients as helpful . Further study into the effects of more frequent but shorter periods of support for patients experiencing specific difficulties is needed
Results Telemedicine programs that include a nutritional component show similar effect in diabetes management as those programs that do not .
Furthermore , subgroup analysis reveals that nutritional intervention via SMS such as email and text messages is at least as equally effective in reducing HbA1c when compared to personal nutritional counseling with a practitioner over videoconference or telephone .
Conclusion The inclusion of nutritional counseling as part of a telemedicine program does not make a significant difference to diabetes outcomes .
Incorporating nutritional counseling into telemedicine programs via SMS is at least as effective as counseling via telephone or videoconference
Background A growing number of studies and review s have documented the impact of telemedicine on diabetes management .
However , no meta- analysis has assessed whether including nutritional counseling as part of a telemedicine program has a significant impact on diabetes outcomes or what kind of nutritional counseling is most effective .