A Text A Day, Keeps Diabetes Away

BANGALORE: The unrequested text messages in your cell phones stating some feeble buy or sell opportunities and schemes might have given you a headache several times but have you ever wondered that these simple text messages can help you to minimize and control diabetes?

A research-Dulce Digital Study carried out at Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute, San Diego indicated positive signs of glycemic control in diabetes Type 2 patients by a text message-based self-management intervention program.

Initial report of the study presented by Athena Philis-Tsimikas, M.D., corporate vice president for the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute in 74th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in San Francisco on June 13. The report revealed, "The use of mobile phones in health care is very promising, especially when it comes to low-income populations with chronic diseases." “We found that by using text messages we were able to circumvent many of the barriers these patients face, such as lack of transportation or childcare, while still being able to expand the reach of diabetes care and education,”  added Athena.

The study was conducted over a group of 126 randomized patients, divided into two subgroups; one who were getting standard diabetes treatment (control) and the other who got text messaging along with the standard care throughout the week

The messages include tips on healthy nutrition, proper exercises, and benefits of medication and request to check blood sugar periodically and simultaneously send the results back. The process carried on for a span of six months.

At the end of six months, the results showed that Dulce Digital Study patients had a significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c test levels than the control group.

A report released by The Hindu on May 26th disclosed that more than one lakh diabetics were screened by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Taking index figures in terms around 12 per cent of the diabetics patients among them were not aware of their illness. With this steady increase in growth rate of diabetics, it can be assumed that in the next 20 years India may become a hub for Diabetics surpassing China to the first position.   The present situation is alarming one and has to be dealt with iron hands–text message –based self-management intervention program is a vital way to deal with it.