Looking to the Internet for support

This review explored the use of Internet-based interventions on maintaining behavior modifications for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Modifications to behavior and lifestyle, such as increasing physical activity and eating a healthy diet, are vitally important in controlling T2DM. Behavior modifications can help patients improve blood glucose (sugar) control and reduce the number of T2DM complications. However, behavior modifications can be difficult to achieve and maintain, therefore, developing ways to assist patients is essential. Many Internet-based technologies have been used to help patients and their doctors closely monitor glucose levels. Few studies, however, have examined Internet-based assistance with behavior modification. The current review focuses on Internet-based help for T2DM education and management.

Nine studies were reviewed, each of which used Internet-based interventions to encourage T2DM patients regarding behavior modifications in areas such as exercise, healthy diet, and smoking cessation. Interventions included online forums for community support, social networking, and tools for goal setting and tracking.

Results showed that Internet-based interventions led to increases in physical activity and dietary changes. In one study, online support led to a 47 minute per day increase in activity levels compared to patients not using Internet interventions. In a study measuring the glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c (a measure of average blood glucose from the past 2 to 3 months), the HbA1c levels decreased by 2.18% in patients using Internet-based interventions, compared to 0.9% in patients using the usual methods. Another study reported a 42% score increase on a test of diabetes knowledge in patients receiving Internet interventions, versus a 19% increase in the non-Internet group.

This review concluded that Internet-based interventions can be beneficial for T2DM patients needing assistance with lifestyle modifications.

The studies reviewed did not include many minority subjects, who are at higher risk of being unable to maintain behavioral modifications, and could benefit the most from these interventions.

Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your adherence to a healthy lifestyle.