Efficacy of the mHealth application in patients with type 2 diabetes transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Ana María Gómez, Diana Cristina Henao, Fabian Vargas, Óscar Múñoz, Óscar David Lucero Pantoja, Maira García Jaramillo, Arantza Aldea, Clare Martin, Luis Miguel Rodríguez Hortúa, Claudia Patricia Rubio Reyes, María Alejandra Páez Hortúa, Martín Rondón
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: No studies have assessed the efficacy of telemedicine using a platform for recording and adjusting insulin doses in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care. This study aimed to assess, in a population of patients with DM2, discharged from a tertiary referral hospital, whether treatment based on the use of an mHealth application was associated with better glycemic control at the 3-month follow-up, than standard care. METHODS: This open, randomized, controlled clinical trial included adult DM2 patients who were transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care. The efficacy and safety of patient management with and without mHealth was compared at the 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in the Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The secondary outcomes were the rates of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events and treatment satisfaction measured using the Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (ITSQ). RESULTS: In total, 86 patients (41 using mHealth) were included in the clinical trial. HbA1c levels showed a significant decrease in both groups. The mean HbA1c level was significantly lower in the mHealth group. Patients using mHealth showed decreased incidence rate ratios of hypoglycemia 3.0 mmol/L [<54 mg/dl], hypoglycemia ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 mmol/L [54 to 70 mg/dl] and severe hypoglycemia. The level of satisfaction assessed using the ITSQ was higher in the mHealth group. CONCLUSION: Using mHealth in patients with DM2 transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care improves metabolic control and may reduce the hypoglycemia rates.