Impact of home tele-monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes under home health care at KAMC, Riyadh

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains a prevalent chronic condition requiring consistent monitoring to prevent complications. The adoption of home tele-monitoring (HTM) has demonstrated potential in improving diabetes management and reducing healthcare demands for patients receiving home health care services. This study evaluates the implementation of HTM on glycemic control, medication adherence, and medical facility utilization among patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh. It is a retrospective observational study involving 139 adult T2D patients receiving home health care services. Participants were divided into two groups: those utilizing HTM services and those receiving standard home care interventions. Data collected included HbA1c levels, medication adherence rates, hospital visit frequency, and patient-reported outcomes over a six-month period. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, employing paired t-tests and regression models. The sample consisted of 61.2% males and 38.8% females, with 72.1% aged over 60 years. Additionally, 60.6% of patients were classified as extremely obese, with a mean BMI of 39 (SD = 6). Insulin monotherapy was the most common treatment modality, used by 81.3% of patients. Blood sugar control was generally poor, with fasting blood glucose averaging 191.33 mg/dL (SD = 90.265) and post-meal readings averaging 214.26 mg/dL (SD = 85.069). Only 30.2% of patients maintained adequate daily glucose control. The analysis identified a significant association between sex and glycemic control, with females exhibiting 2.83 times higher odds of uncontrolled glucose levels (p = 0.018). The implementation of HTM systems in diabetes management was associated with improved blood sugar regulation and reduced healthcare service utilization. Further research should focus on the long-term effects of tele-monitoring and include economic evaluations to optimize home-based diabetes care strategies.