Effects of Mobile Phone-Based Telemedicine Management in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: This study aims to explore the effect of mobile phone-based telemedicine management of glycemic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: Patients with T2DM were followed up in Chongqing Jiulongpo District Yuzhoulu Community Health Center, and randomly divided into the telemedicine group (n=47) and the control group (n=50). The control group received regularly routine intervention. The telemedicine management group used the mobile phone to manage their health condition remotely.

Results: Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. After a follow-up period of 12 months intervention, the weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, body fat mass, body water and muscle mass, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, total costs of diabetes treatment for 1 month and the quality-of-life score were significantly improved in the telemedicine group (P<0.05). And compared with the control group, body fat composition, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and the cost of change shows a significant improvement (P<0.05). Positive correlation was detected between fasting blood glucose and body composition parameters, such as body fat percentage, lean body mass and body fat mass in the telemedicine group (r=0.56, P<0.05; r=0.37, P<0.05; r=0.56, P<0.05).

Conclusions: Compared with conventional intervention, the mobile phone-based telemedicine management can help patients with T2DM to improve glycemic level and quality of life.