The impact of mobile telenursing on fasting blood glucose levels in diabetes: an interventional study

Med J Malaysia. 2024 Jul;79(4):380-387.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: High blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to various complications, highlighting the need for adequate management. Diabetes Self-Management Education has been proven effective in controlling glycaemic events and preventing DM complications. Telenursing is a promising method for educating DM patients. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cell phone-based telenursing on fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of people with DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a quasiexperimental on 84 participants with DM, which was randomised into intervention (n=42) and control (n=42) groups. The intervention group was provided with health education through booklets and cell phone-based telenursing for four sessions and four sessions of follow-up, while the control group was given health education according to standards from the health centre (Puskesmas). All respondents had their FBG levels checked before, one month, and two months follow-up. The data were analysed using paired sample t-tests, independent samples t-test, and repeated ANOVA.

RESULTS: The mean FBG measurements in the intervention group prior to treatment were 210.88mg/dL, decreased to 173.21mg/dL in the first month, and 177.48mg/dL in the second month (follow-up), while the control group started at 206.36mg/dL, decreased to 182.55mg/dL in the first month, and 191.64mg/dL in the second month. The difference between the two groups was not significant in both the intervention and control groups, p=0.181.

CONCLUSION: Health education through mobile phone-based telenursing and standard health centres both affect FBG levels of people with DM.

PMID:39086333