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Managing Diabetes in Hard to Reach Populations: A Review of Telehealth Interventions

  • Economics and Policy in Diabetes (AA Baig and N Laiteerapong, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Diabetes mellitus is a leading chronic disease worldwide. Access to diabetes care varies widely and is influenced by multiple factors including social, geographic, and economic conditions. The use of technology to expand healthcare may bridge these barriers and improve access. Our aim was to review the evidence for the role of telehealth to expand access to quality diabetes care.

Recent Findings

There is evidence that application of technology-based programs to deliver healthcare are both feasible and effective. These programs are accepted by both patients and providers, can reduce healthcare costs, and may redress inequalities in healthcare access.

Summary

Technology-based care models can improve disease management, enhance efficiency and clinical decision-making, promote patient self-management skills, and promote patient centered care. Future research should focus on implementation of technology-based healthcare delivery programs on a larger scale.

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Funding

Dr. Desimone reports grants from New York State Department of Health, grants from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, outside the submitted work.

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  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Anusha Verravanallur Appuswamy & Marisa E. Desimone

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  1. Anusha Verravanallur Appuswamy
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  2. Marisa E. Desimone
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Correspondence to Marisa E. Desimone.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Economics and Policy in Diabetes

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Appuswamy, A.V., Desimone, M.E. Managing Diabetes in Hard to Reach Populations: A Review of Telehealth Interventions. Curr Diab Rep 20, 28 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-020-01310-2

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