Intervention through Short Messaging System (SMS) and phone call alerts reduced HbA1C levels in ~47% type-2 diabetics-results of a pilot study.

PurposeDespite extensive research and newer methods of interventions, the incidence and prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate. Currently, according to world health organization (WHO) statistics, 422 million individuals are suffering from diabetes worldwide. In India, recent estimates have reported a significant increase in the number of diabetics in the last decade. Poor dietary habits, minimal adherence to treatment regimens, lack of timely education are some of the contributing factors for increasing incidence and huge economic burden; which can be handled by life style behavior modifications backed up by hand holding through continuous education. Prior studies have demonstrated the efficacy of various self-management tools and educational programs in better disease management behaviors among individuals with diabetes. Among various self-management tools, educating the individuals and alerting them using mobile phone calls and short messaging system (SMS) are widely accepted due to (a) the increasing mobile phone users and (b) availability of short messaging systems in local languages in the recent years. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted to determine the benefit of educating patients through phone calls and SMS in the self-management of diabetes.ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to determine the feasibility and utility of SMS and phone call-based interventions in the management of diabetes by comparing the HbA1c values.MethodologyThe study was conducted for a period of 14 months from December 2017 till Feb 2019. Out of 380 individuals initially enrolled into the study, 120 had completed the 14-months period. Diabetes education through SMS and phone calls was provided on regular basis, and HbA1C levels at baseline, 8-months and 14-months quantified. In addition, feedback on patients' satisfaction and utility of the SMS / Phone calls was collected using questionnaires.ResultsData from our study demonstrated that after 8-months of intervention through phone calls, a significant increase in the number of individuals with HbA1c in the range of 5.1 to 7.0 was observed (from 27 individuals at base line to 37 individuals after 8-months intervention). Much more significant improvement in the number of individuals with lower HbA1c was observed at 14-months of intervention, indicating the benefit of regular phone call-based system in managing diabetes. A Chi square (χ2) test was performed to examine if the frequencies in the cells varied at baseline and at 8 and 14 months.ConclusionChronic diseases like diabetes needs awareness and education to patients in adopting disease self-management practices. As mobile phone users are increasing in number, providing diabetes management education through mobile phone intervention could be a viable strategy for controlling diabetes

Providing Diabetes Education through Phone Calls Assisted in the Better Control of Hyperglycemia and Improved the Knowledge of Patients on Diabetes Management

Purpose: A recent single-arm pilot study from our group showed a significant decrease in HbA1C in Type-2 diabetes individuals provided with SMS and phone call-based education on glycemic control. Considering the preference of participants to phone call-based education, a randomized control trial (RCT) with parallel design was conducted to determine the impact of phone call-based diabetes educational intervention on the control of hyperglycemia and improvement in the knowledge about diabetes management. Objectives: To determine the impact of phone call-based educational intervention on the control of hyperglycemia and improvement in the knowledge about diabetes management. Methodology: The study was conducted for a period of 12 months on a total of 273 Type-2 diabetic patients (interventional group (n = 135); non-interventional group (n = 138)) who had provided consent to participate. Subjects in the case group received weekly phone calls on diabetes education; whereas the control group received no education. HbA1C investigations were carried out at baseline and at every fourth month until the completion of the study period for the subjects in both the groups. The impact of phone call-based education was measured by comparing HbA1C values as well as by measuring the questionnaire-based knowledge scores on diabetes management. Results: At the end of the study period, there was a significant reduction in HbA1C in 58.8% participants (n = 65) and a manifold (2–5-fold) increase in knowledge on diabetes management among participants in the case group (n = 110). However, no significant difference in HbA1C and knowledge score was observed in participants from the control group (n = 115). Conclusion: Phone call-based diabetes education is a viable option to empower patients for better management of Type-2 diabetes