The internet-based disease management has become popular especially among patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes. In 2010, a nationwide internet-based telecommunication system was introduced in Hungary for improving the care of patients with self-monitoring of blood glucose. After free uploading, different statistics, graphics and tendencies over time become immediately available for patients to review and share with their health care providers. 

The aim of the study was to evaluate the 5-year experience (2010-2015) with the internet-based telecommunication system for diabetic patients with self-monitoring of blood glucose.

Diabetic patients with particular glucometers (Dcont®) have the possibility to upload the results of self-monitoring of blood glucose via internet-based telecommunication system in Hungary. The use of this system is free and needs only an access to the internet. Data of regular users (n=2,535) were analysed (regular users: patients with >10 blood glucose values). Statistical analysis was performed anonymously. Age, gender, diabetes duration, type of diabetes and mode of antidiabetic treatment were available only. The frequency of hypoglycaemic values (blood glucose (≤3.9 mmol/L) was also evaluated. 

A total of 2,532,004 blood glucose values were uploaded by 2,535 regular users (775 women with 813,479 and 1,760 men with 1,718,525 blood glucose values). The age of patients varied from 2 to 91 years (men: 45.9±18.7, women 39.1±20.6 years). Type 1 diabetes (n=1,272; 50.2%) predominated over type 2 (n=1,011; 39.9%). The majority of users (n=1,562; 61.6%) were treated with insulin only, whereas 354 patients (13.9%) were on insulin + oral drugs. A bimodal distribution of age was noted among users with type 1 diabetes with two peaks at the age range of 10-19 and 35-40 years. Users with type 2 diabetes were older with a peak age range of 55-65 years. Only a subset of patients (n=291, 11.5%) reported fasting or pre-meal blood glucose values together with immediate postprandial (90-120 min) measurements. The median value of blood glucose was 7.6 (IQR 5.6 – 10.6) mmol/L; women 7.8 (IQR 5.6 – 11.1) mmol/L, men: 7.5 (IQR 5.6 – 10.4) mmol/L; p<0.05. At least one blood glucose value within hypoglycaemic range (≤3.9 mmol/L) were registered in 80.9% of patients. 

The internet-based telecommunication is a highly popular and valuable tool for patients with diabetes across all age groups. Improvements in information technology (synchronous or asynchronous teleconsultation or extension to mobile phones) hold the promise for enhanced education, patient support and ultimately better diabetes control.

Users’ preferences with an internet-based system for self-monitoring of blood glucose: a 5-year experience