Document Type : 6th congress of endocrinology & metabolism
Authors
1
Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan
10.48305/jims.v43.i827.0972
Abstract
Background: With approximately 589 million people affected by diabetes worldwide, achieving therapeutic goals remains challenging despite advances in medical treatments and technology. Pharmacotherapy alone is insufficient for optimal diabetes control, emphasizing the need for behavioral optimization and psychosocial support. Telehealth DSMES offers a scalable, patient-centered approach that delivers key DSMES components remotely through digital tools. This approach addresses critical gaps in traditional DSMES, such as limited access to educators, geographic barriers, and time constraints. Telehealth DSMES enables tailored education on pathophysiology, insulin injection techniques, oral medication management (dosing, timing, and administration), blood glucose monitoring, complication prevention, and problem-solving skills through virtual platforms, ensuring sustained engagement and empowerment.
Telehealth DSMES programs deliver evidence-based content via remote platforms such as video calls, applications, and chatbots. These programs are personalized to cultural, linguistic, and literacy needs, leveraging interprofessional teams (endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes educators) during critical junctures: at diagnosis, annually or when treatment goals are not met, during complicating factors (e.g., CKD, stroke), and during transitions in care. Outcomes are measured via HbA1c reductions, quality-of-life metrics, and healthcare utilization rates.
Clinical studies demonstrate that Telehealth DSMES reduces HbA1c by ≥0.6% over 6–12 months and is associated with benefits such as: improved access, reduced costs, psychosocial advantages, and scalability. Compared to pharmacotherapy, Telehealth DSMES improves long-term blood glucose control with no side effects and strengthens patients' active participation in treatment-related decision-making.
Conclusion: Telehealth DSMES represents a paradigm shift in diabetes management, combining clinical rigor with digital innovation. To maximize impact, healthcare systems must:
1. Prioritize Telehealth DSMES: Integrate it into national diabetes care guidelines.
2. Invest in Infrastructure: Expand high-speed internet access and provide digital literacy training for patients and physicians.
3. Develop Hybrid Models: Combine telehealth with in-person follow-ups for complex cases (e.g., insulin pump users).
4. Policy Reforms: Reimburse virtual DSMES sessions and incentivize provider participation.
By adopting Telehealth DSMES, stakeholders can reduce the global diabetes burden, empower patients, and achieve equitable, high-quality care.
Highlights
Mojtaba Akbari: PubMed ,Google Scholar
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