Comparison of the Effects of Internet Diabetes Education by Gender in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Kim, Hee Seung; Park, Chai Soon

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the effect of Intenet diabetes education varied by gender. METHOD: An experimental group assessed pre- and post intervention was used to assess the effectiveness of diabetes education by nurses. Forty patients separated into two groups by gender partook in the study. The goal of the intervention was to keep blood glucose concentrations close to normal range. The intervention was applied weekly for 3 months. Participants were requested to input their blood glucose level, diet, and exercise diary everyday at http: //www.biodang.com by cellular phone or wire Internet. The researcher sent optimal recommendations to each patient using the short message service of cellular phones and wire Internet. All medication adjustments were communicated to the subjects' doctors. The plasma glucose levels, serum lipids, and care satisfaction were measured before and after the intervention. RESULT: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) decreased 1.6% and 0.8% in male and female patients respectively after 3 months of education. Total cholesterol decreased 37.2mg/dl in male patients but increased 80.5mg/dl in female patients. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that Internet diabetes education could improve HbA1c and total cholesterol in male patients.