Telehealth Technologies in Diabetes Self-Management and Education

What is it about?

This article reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of five different coaching types available for diabetes self-management and education: telephonic, web based, video/audio based, text message based, and mobile app based (see Table 1, pg. 150). All five coaching types aim to promote access to care and improve clinical outcomes by providing patients with tools, resources, and support to effectively self-manage their diabetes. The authors conclude that each type of coaching has its merits and can be used individually, in combination with one or more of the other types of coaching, or as a supplement to traditional diabetes self-management programs.

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Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash

Photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the utilization of digital health technologies in health care. These technology-based strategies are especially important to diabetes care as they have been shown to aid patients with diabetes self-management through increased engagement and resources. Compared to traditional diabetes self-management programs, research has found that digital health technologies to promote diabetes self-management allows for wider patient impact by promoting access to these resources and reducing barriers to care. For example, mobile apps can provide patients with the ability to access educational resources and track data from health-tracking devices, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The authors conclude that with improving technologies and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) strategies digital health technologies for diabetes will undergo continual improvements, which will optimize their effectiveness. Special thanks to the Division 54 Adherence and Self-Management SIG trainee member, Johanna Michlig, BA, for her contributions to this Kudos post!