Study: Managing diabetes through online programs may be beneficial

A new study by the Center for Connected Health has concluded that online diabetes management programs may help improve communication between patients and doctors, HealthcareIT News reports. The study, published in this month's Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, involved 200 random patients from six primary care practices in Massachusetts. 

According to the results, mean glucose levels and self-reported HbA1c levels in seven patients with type 2 diabetes at Massachusetts General Hospital both dropped in the study's first three months. Such patients were granted access to a secured website that allowed them to view and upload glucose readings uploaded by a standard glucometer. Providers also had access to the website to view, analyze or talk about any of the data available. 

Patients also were able to dissect the website, offering criticisms and changes they'd like to see. Providers involved with the study believe that the program "increased their confidence in adjusting medication based on remote glucose readings submitted by patients." 

Study co-author Alice Watson, also the corporate manager for the Center for Connected Health, thinks that diabetes care could be tremendously impacted by the results discovered. "Self-monitoring of blood glucose may have a greater impact when patient data can be shared with a provider in a timely manner, leading to treatment changes and enhanced patient education and motivation," she said. 

For more:
- here's the HealthcareIT News article

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