P120: Impact of Telehealth on Glycemic Control and Healthcare Utilization in Patients with Diabetes
Poster Presenter
Shreena Patel
Research Presenter
MGH/Marywood University United States
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of telehealth interventions on glycemic control and healthcare utilization among patients with diabetes.
Method
A retrospective observational study was conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital within the Division of Endocrinology. Adult patients with diabetes receiving telehealth or in-person care were included, and outcomes such as HbA1c, adherence, and hospitalizations were compared.
Results
A total of 250 adult patients with diabetes were included, with receiving telehealth-supported care and 150 receiving standard in-person care. Patients in the telehealth group demonstrated a greater reduction in HbA1c levels (mean decrease of 1.2%) compared to the in-person group (0.6%). Medication adherence improved by 18% in the telehealth cohort, while hospitalizations related to diabetes complications were reduced by 22%. Additionally, telehealth patients had fewer emergency department visits and reported improved access to care. These findings indicate that telehealth interventions significantly improved glycemic control and reduced acute healthcare utilization, supporting the hypothesis that telehealth enhances chronic disease management outcomes.
Conclusion
Telehealth is an effective strategy for improving diabetes management, leading to better glycemic control, increased medication adherence, and reduced hospitalizations. Its integration into routine endocrinology care can enhance access and continuity of care, particularly for patients with barriers to in-person visits. These findings support broader adoption of telehealth as a scalable solution for chronic disease management and highlight its potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare system burden.
