Physiological Outcomes of an Internet Disease Management Program vs. In-person Counselling:A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Tjam, Erin Y.; Sherifali, Diana; Steinacher, Noreen; Hett, Sandra

OBJECTIVE: To compare physiological outcomes and satisfaction for followup care between an interactive diabetes internet program and Diabetes Education Centres. METHOD: A randomized, controlled trial with outcomes of glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol and patient satisfaction. Enrollment was staggered, with individuals assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-seven participants completed the study (20 control, 37 internet). Physiological outcomes were not statistically different between the 2 groups. However, within-group comparisons demonstrated a significant improvement in the internet group's A1C, TG and satisfaction levels from baseline to 3 and 6 months (p<0.0452, p<0.0428 and p<0.0138, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the trial was limited in sample size, it yielded significant findings for diabetes management, within group. Further research in using the internet program in other applications for diabetes management is needed.