The impact of telehealth education on self-management in patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension: a 26-week randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension is increasing globally and posing significant health challenges. Effective self-management is crucial for controlling the disease and preventing complications. Telehealth education has emerged as a promising approach to enhancing self-management.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of telehealth education on glycolipid metabolism, blood pressure, and self-management in patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Methods: This study included 174 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension from October 2022 to March 2023 at the 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The patients were randomly assigned to the control group or the telehealth education group. The control group received conventional diabetes education including diet and exercise guidance, while the telehealth education group received additional online education through the WeChatapplication. Both groups were followed up for 26 weeks and the changes in glycolipid metabolism, blood pressure, and self-management were compared between the groups.

Results: After 26 weeks of intervention, the telehealth education group showed statistically significant reductions in weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The telehealth education group also exhibited a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein-C level (P < 0.05). The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities score, which reflects the level of diabetes self-management, demonstrated that the telehealth education group had a significantly better total score as well as superior scores in all five sub-categories (diet, blood glucose testing, medication use, and foot care) compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings confirmed that telehealth education effectively enhanced the self-management capabilities of patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes and hypertension, leading to better glycolipid and blood pressure control. The use of telehealth education may potentially improve the interaction between medical staff and patients in the management of chronic diseases.