A Proof of Concept Study to Evaluate the Impact of an Established Telehealth Mood Monitoring System on Mood in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes when Initiating an Injectable Therapy

Background: We aimed to determine the feasibility of using an established telehealth system to monitor potential mood changes in individuals with type 2 diabetes when commencing an injectable glucose-lowering therapy. Methods: Individuals with type 2 diabetes commencing an injectable therapy as part of their routine clinical care when not achieving glycemic control on oral antidiabetic therapy, or when instituted as part of a randomized clinical trial, were asked to self monitor their mood for six months. Participants were asked to complete the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms–Self Report (QIDS-SR) weekly and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS17) monthly. Results: Seven participants were recruited who all initiated an injectable therapy and were followed up for median 33 (27–37) weeks. Median (IQR) proportions of returned QIDS-SR and DDS17 questionnaires were 100% (86%–100%) and 100% (100%–100%) respectively, with completeness 88% (80%–100%) and 100% (100%–100%). DDS17 scores increased (worsened) during the first month after injectable therapy initiation, followed by a gradual decline in QIDS-SR scores and stabilizing DDS17 responses. Conclusion: We show that an online self-management system can be used to monitor mood remotely in type 2 diabetes population, and could provide additional metrics to help inform diabetes management.