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Diabetes telemonitoring reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia during Ramadan: a pilot randomized controlled study
Author(s) -
Lee J. Y.,
Lee S. W. H.,
Nasir N. H.,
How S.,
Tan C. S. S.,
Wong C. P.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/dme.12836
Subject(s) - medicine , confidence interval , randomized controlled trial , telemedicine , odds ratio , type 2 diabetes , diabetes mellitus , physical therapy , emergency medicine , health care , endocrinology , economics , economic growth
Aim This pilot study evaluated the short‐term benefits of a telemonitoring‐supplemented focused diabetic education compared with education alone in participants with Type 2 diabetes who were fasting during Ramadan. Methods In this pilot mixed‐method study, we identified 37 participants and randomly allocated them to either a telemonitoring group ( n = 18) or a group receiving Ramadan‐focused pre‐education only (usual care; n = 19). The telemonitoring group received goal‐setting and personalized feedback. Results The telemonitoring group was less likely to experience hypoglycaemia than the usual care group (odds ratio: 0.1273; 95% confidence interval: 0.0267–0.6059). No significant differences were noted in glycaemic control at the end of study. Participants viewed telemedicine as a more convenient alternative although technological barriers remain a concern. Conclusions The results of this study reinforce the need for monitoring as well as educational initiatives for Muslims with diabetes who fast during Ramadan. Telemonitoring offers an attractive option requiring further research. (Clinical Trial Registry No. NCT 02189135)