Do electronic reminder systems help patients with T2DM to lose weight?

Abstract

Q: Do electronic reminder systems help patients with T2DM to lose weight? Evidence-based answer: PROBABLY NOT--but they may augment self-management. Four-component telehealth systems--including electronic reminders, measuring devices, patient-driven data upload, and remote data analysis--likely don't result in significant weight reductions in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, their use may be associated with a decrease in hemoglobin A1C of about 0.4% (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and conflicting smaller subsequent RCTs). Telehealth is considered a reasonable option for augmenting diabetes self-management in patients who are facile with the technology (SOR: C, expert opinion).