Web-based interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of recent evidence
Abstract
Introduction The Internet has emerged as a potentially effective medium for information exchange. The Internet's potential has been recognised and web-based education programmes have been steadily adopted in recent years in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. This review provides a descriptive discussion of web-based behavioural interventions for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method Systematic literature searches were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library to retrieve articles published between 2000 and June 2010 which fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Methodological quality assessment and data synthesis were then performed. Results Twenty articles representing 13 different studies were reviewed. None of the studies were ranked as low in the methodological quality. Goal-setting, personalised coaching, interactive feedback and online peer support groups were some of the successful approaches which were applied in e-interventions to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Strong theoretical background, use of other technologies and longer duration of intervention were proven to be successful strategies as well. Conclusion The web-based interventions have demonstrated some level of favourable outcomes, provided they are further enhanced with proper e-research strategies.
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Relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses have confirmed the effectiveness of DHIs on behavior change, blood glucose control, and weight loss in patients with diabetes.
“Relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses have confirmed the effectiveness of DHIs on behavior change, blood glucose control, and weight loss in patients with diabetes [21-24].”
From Assessing the Effectiveness of Digital Health Behavior Strategies on Type 2 Diabetes Management: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis (2025) · cites this paper as [23]
One review reported that a reduced HbA1c was demonstrated in six trials.
“One review did not pool results but reported that a reduced HbA1c was demonstrated in six trials [42].”
From The Impact of Telehealthcare on the Quality and Safety of Care: A Systematic Overview (2013) · cites this paper as [42]
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- Authors
- Ramadas, A., Quek, K. F., Chan, C. K. Y., & Oldenburg, B.
- Affiliations
- Monash University Malaysia (MY)
- Monash University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Ramadas, A.
- Venue
- International Journal of Medical Informatics
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2011-06
- Volume
- 80
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 389-405
- ISSN
- 1386-5056 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2119714597
- Cited by
- 180
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 12
- FWCI
- 2.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- International Journal of Medical Informatics (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Management and Education
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Keywords
- type 2 diabetes, online intervention, e-health, behavioral interventions, goal setting, interactive feedback, online peer support, chronic disease management, internet-based education
- MeSH terms
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Humans, Patient Education as Topic, Evidence-Based Medicine, Internet
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