Purpose of review: Telehealth has the potential to positively transform the quality and cost-effectiveness of complex diabetes management in adults. This review explores the landscape of telemedicine approaches and evidence for incorporation into general practice.
Recent findings: Telemedicine for diabetes care is feasible based on over 100 randomized clinical trials. Evidence shows modest benefits in A1c lowering and other clinical outcomes that are better sustained over time vs. usual care. While telemedicine interventions are likely cost-effective in diabetes care, more research is needed using implementation science approaches. Telehealth platforms have been shown to be both feasible and effective for health care delivery in diabetes, although there are many caveats that require tailoring to the institution, clinician, and patient population. Research in diabetes telehealth should focus next on how to increase access to patients who are known to be marginalized from traditional models of health care.
Keywords: Complex diabetes; Diabetes; Telemedicine; Type 1 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes; Virtual care; Virtual visits.