Abstract
Abstract Background: Telehealth interventions have gained prominence as a promising strategy for improving medication adherence and patient outcomes among individuals with chronic illnesses. This study investigates the Diabetes Tele Management System (DTMS®), a comprehensive telemedicine-based program operating in Kerala, India, since 1997, to assess its impact on treatment satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), and clinical outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methodology: A retrospective cohort design was employed, analyzing data from electronic medical records over a 15-year period. Participants were categorized into a treatment group (TG) enrolled in DTMS® and a control group (CG) receiving conventional care. Propensity score matching minimized confounding factors. Clinical parameters, diabetes-related complications, and treatment satisfaction were assessed. QoL was evaluated using the EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Results: Among 451 participants, the TG (n = 267) experienced significantly lower rates of micro-macrovascular complications compared to the CG (n = 184) (P < 0.0001). TG participants showed improvements in glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and weight (P < 0.05). QoL was notably better in the TG across all EQ-5D domains (P < 0.001). Treatment satisfaction was also higher in the TG (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The DTMS® telemedicine program demonstrated substantial benefits in terms of reduced complications, improved clinical parameters, enhanced QoL, and increased treatment satisfaction among people with T2D. This study underscores the potential of telehealth interventions, like DTMS®, in diabetes management, particularly in improving long-term outcomes and patient well-being.
Published Version
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