J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2006 Dec;13(3):376-381.

Effects of Internet Diabetic Education on Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Self-Care in Type 2 Diabetic Patients over One Year

• Kim HS

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of web-based diabetic education on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) and self-care in people with type 2 diabetes. METHOD: Twenty-five patients were requested to input the blood glucose level weekly at http://www.biodang.com by cellular phone or wired Internet for one year. The researcher sent optimal recommendations weekly to each patient using the short message service for cellular phones and wired Internet.
RESULTS
Patients had a significant mean decrease in HbA1c, from 8.0% at pre-test to 6.9%, after three months and rested at 6.8% until 12 months. Patients had a significant mean increase in physical exercise adherence, from 3.3 days at pre-test to 4.1 days per week, after three months. Patients had a significant mean increase in foot care adherence, from 4.8 days at pre-test to 6.9 days per week, after one year.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that Internet education could be used to improve HbA1c, physical exercise, and foot care adherence in type 2 diabetic patients.

Keyword

Internet; Diabetes; Education; Glycosylated hemoglobin; Self care

MeSH Terms

Blood Glucose
Smartphone
Education*
Exercise
Foot
Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated*
Humans
Internet*
Self Care*
Text Messaging
Blood Glucose