Web-Based, Algorithm-Guided Insulin Titration in Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes: Pre-Post Intervention Study
Authors: Thiagarajan Nishanth , Tan Hong Chang , Rama Chandran Suresh , Lee Phong Ching , Chin Yun Ann , Zeng Wanling , Ho Emily Tse Lin , Carmody David , Goh Su-Yen , Bee Yong Mong 
Published: December 2024

Background

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) using web-based diabetes management platforms has demonstrated promise in managing type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the effectiveness of such systems incorporating algorithm-guided insulin titration has not been extensively studied in Asian populations.

Objective

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the ALRT telehealth solution—a US Food and Drug Administration–cleared, web-based platform that integrates SMBG with algorithm-driven insulin dose adjustments—in improving glycemia in insulin-treated T2D.

Methods

This 24-week, pre-post intervention study enrolled 25 adults with T2D (mean age 58.9, SD 7.0 y; n=14, 56% male) on twice-daily premixed insulin. Inclusion criteria included a baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level between 7.5% to 9.9% (58‐86 mmol/mol), a BMI ≤40 kg/m², and experience with SMBG. Participants uploaded twice-daily SMBG data weekly via a mobile app, which generated insulin titration recommendations based on a predefined algorithm. Physicians reviewed and approved the recommendations, which were then communicated back to participants via the app. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c level from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in fasting plasma glucose, insulin dose, hypoglycemia incidence, and SMBG adherence.

Results

Participants achieved significant reductions in HbA1c level from 8.6% (70 mmol/mol) at baseline to 7.4% (57 mmol/mol) at 24 weeks (P<.001), with reductions of 0.8% and 0.4% in the first and second 12 weeks, respectively. Fasting plasma glucose decreased from 8.7 (SD 2.0) mmol/L to 7.1 (SD 1.4) mmol/L (P<.001). Mean total daily insulin dose increased modestly from 0.73 (SD 0.31) units/kg/day to 0.79 (SD 0.34) units/kg/day (P=.007). Participants demonstrated high adherence, completing 97.3% (327/336) of prescribed SMBG measurements. During the study, 48% (12/25) of participants experienced at least 1 hypoglycemia episode, predominantly mild hypoglycemia (85/96, 88.5%; glucose 3.0‐3.9 mmol/L). Hypoglycemia episodes increased from 24 during weeks 0‐12 to 72 during weeks 13‐24. There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia requiring external assistance. BMI increased slightly from 29.0 (SD 3.6) kg/m² to 29.5 (SD 3.6) kg/m² (P=.03), reflecting a modest weight gain associated with improved glycemia.

Conclusions

In conclusion, patients with insulin-treated T2D initiated on a web-based glucose monitoring system with algorithm-guided dosing recommendations showed significant improvement in glycemic control compared to baseline. High adherence rates underscore the feasibility of integrating algorithm-guided insulin titration into routine care. While hypoglycemia incidence rose slightly, episodes were predominantly mild, and no severe events occurred. This intervention shows promise for broader adoption in T2D management, particularly in resource-constrained settings.