The results of following type 2 diabetes patients with mobile health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the level of compliance with treatment and achieving metabolic goals in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who are remotely monitored with mobile health (mHealth) technologies during the pandemic.

Methods: A total number of 86 patients were included in the study. Data from two periods were used: from 1 month before the date when the first COVID-19 case in Turkiye was reported on March 11, 2020 (Febraury 10, 2020-March 31, 2020) and from the pandemic was severe between April 01, 2020 and May 31, 2020. Participants' mean blood glucose, step count, blood pressure, body weight, and diet compliance levels were evaluated.

Results: When the blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight averages of the patients were compared between the pre-pandemic period and the pandemic months separately, no significant difference was observed. However, it was observed that the number of steps decreased significantly compared to the period before the pandemic (p<0.05). It was determined that 88% of the participants were able to access health services without applying to the hospital.

Conclusion: In this study, we showed that patients with T2DM who were followed up with mHealth technologies provided the necessary metabolic control and compliance with the treatment during the pandemic.