Effects of Internet Diabetic Education on Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Self-Care in Type 2 Diabetic Patients over One Year

1년 간 인터넷 당뇨교육이 당뇨환자의 당화혈색소와 자가 관리 개선에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of web-based diabetic education on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc) and self-care in people with type 2 diabetes. Method: Twenty-five patients were requested to input the blood glucose level weekly at http://www.biodang.com by cellular phone or wired Internet for one year. The researcher sent optimal recommendations weekly to each patient using the short message service for cellular phones and wired Internet. Results: Patients had a significant mean decrease in HbAlc, from 8.0% at pre-test to 6.9%, after three months and rested at 6.8% until 12 months. Patients had a significant mean increase in physical exercise adherence, from 3.3 days at pre-test to 4.1 days per week, after three months. Patients had a significant mean increase in foot care adherence, from 4.8 days at pre-test to 6.9 days per week, after one year. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Internet education could be used to improve HbAlc, physical exercise, and foot care adherence in type 2 diabetic patients.