Digital Diabetes Management Technologies for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Home-Based Care Interventions

TL;DR

Digital tools for managing type 2 diabetes at home improve blood sugar control and patient engagement compared to traditional methods.

Contribution

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of various digital diabetes management technologies in home-based care settings.

Findings

DDMTs significantly improve HbA1c, fasting, and postprandial glucose levels compared to standard self-care.

Mobile apps and CGM systems show notable HbA1c reductions, while telemedicine improves adherence and engagement.

Challenges include digital health literacy, cost, and long-term adherence, requiring sustained engagement for lasting benefits.

Abstract

Digital diabetes management technologies (DDMTs) have emerged as promising tools for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving home-based care. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of various DDMTs, including mobile health applications, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), telemedicine, smart insulin pens, and artificial intelligence-driven decision support systems, in optimizing blood glucose levels. A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library identified nine high-quality systematic reviews published between 2020 and 2024. These reviews synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, with sample sizes ranging from small pilot studies to large-scale trials. The findings indicate that DDMTs significantly improve HbA1c levels, fasting blood glucose, and postprandial glucose compared to standard self-care practices. Mobile applications and CGM systems demonstrated notable reductions in HbA1c, while telemedicine interventions enhanced patient adherence and engagement. Personalized coaching and real-time feedback were key factors in intervention success. However, challenges such as digital health literacy, cost barriers, and long-term adherence remain concerns. Some studies highlighted the need for sustained engagement to maintain long-term benefits. While DDMTs offer a viable alternative to traditional diabetes management, future research should focus on standardizing interventions, addressing accessibility issues, and evaluating their cost-effectiveness. This review contributes to the growing evidence supporting DDMTs in T2DM management and underscores the potential of digital health innovations in improving glycemic outcomes and patient self-care in home settings.

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