Effectiveness of internet-based management in newly diagnosed young adults with type 2 diabetes: a prospective comparative study.

Abstract

Background: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is rising among young adults, posing challenges for long-term management after discharge.

Methods: This prospective comparative study included 120 newly diagnosed young adults with T2DM admitted between January and December 2023. Participants were randomized into intervention or control groups (n = 60 each). All patients received standard diabetes education and short-term insulin pump intensive therapy during hospitalization. After discharge, the control group received traditional care, while the intervention group utilized an internet-based management system incorporating continuous glucose monitoring, personalized feedback and remote healthcare team consultations. Primary outcomes included HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β and fasting C-peptide). Secondary outcomes included lipid profiles, renal function (urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR)), blood pressure, quality of life (SF-36) and depression scores (PHQ-9).

Results: At 12 months, the intervention group had significantly lower HbA1c (6.5 vs 7.2%, P < 0.001) and better improvements in FBG, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, fasting C-peptide, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01). Improvements in UACR and blood pressure were minimal (P > 0.05). SF-36 and PHQ-9 scores improved more significantly in the intervention group (P < 0.01). Diabetes remission rates were higher in the intervention group (60 vs 37%, P = 0.028) and remained significant after adjusting for baseline variables (P = 0.015).

Conclusion: The internet-based management system with personalized feedback significantly improved glycemic control and quality of life in young adults with T2DM.