Frequent Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels via a Remote Patient Monitoring System Helps Improve Glycemic Control

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Vivovitals diabetes platform in improving glycemic control and reducing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus by providing more accessible and direct patient care under the monitoring and oversight of their physician. MethodsThis 12-week, prospective, pragmatic, single-center, double-arm study assessed the impact of the Vivovitals diabetes platform on glycemic control in 78 adults aged ≥18 years with HbA1c levels of ≥7.5% (58 mmol/mol) at baseline. The participants were randomized into 2 groups. The control group received usual clinical care, whereas the intervention group was provided with a smartphone-linked telehealth application, a preconfigured glucometer, and access to a glycemic reading diary. The blood glucose levels of the intervention group were transmitted to the providers daily. Patients whose blood glucose level was <70 mg/dL or >180mg/dL were contacted, and modifications were made to their diet and medication. The 2 groups were compared at the baseline and at 12 weeks using nonparametric tests, with P <.05 considered statistically significant. ResultsOver 12 weeks, the average HbA1c level in the control group reduced by 0.474% (P = .533; 95% CI, −0.425 to −0.523), whereas the average HbA1c level in the intervention group reduced by 1.70% (P = .002; 95% CI, −1.02 to −2.39). The estimated treatment difference was expressed using Cohen d, which yielded 0.62. After 12 weeks, the HbA1c values between the control and intervention groups were statistically significant (P = .001). ConclusionThe use of the Vivovitals platform may help to improve glycemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.