Effects of telemedicine in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes--a study protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Despite rehabilitation programmes offered to all patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in Denmark, a number of patients either never accomplish good diabetes regulation or the regulation deteriorates with time. Therefore, new approaches are needed. The aim of the present study is to examine whether telemedicine conferences with a nurse can contribute to achieving good diabetes control among patients with poorly regulated type 2 diabetes.

Material and methods: A total of 165 patients with type 2 diabetes who have formerly undergone a rehabilitation programme are randomized to either telemedicine intervention or usual care. The intervention lasts for 32 weeks and consists of monthly videoconferences with a nurse from a health-care centre as an add-on to usual care. Blood sugar, blood pressure and weight are regularly self-monitored and measurements are automatically transferred to a database. Glycaemic control (HbA1c level) is examined at baseline, 16 weeks, 32 weeks and 58 weeks (six months post intervention). Blood pressure, weight, waist/hip ratio, quality of life, physical activity, lipids, creatinine and haemoglobin are examined at baseline and after 32 weeks.

Conclusion: The study will examine whether telemedicine technology can contribute to achieving good diabetes regulation.

Funding: The City of Copenhagen and the Prevention Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark funded the project. Also "Smedemester Niels Hansen og Hustru Johanne F. Frederiksens Legat" has supported the study.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01688778.