Managing type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but new research is showing that virtual care can make it easier, more accessible, and even more effective.
A March 2025 umbrella review published in BMC Health Services Research analyzed 30 high-quality systematic reviews to evaluate how virtual care impacts type 2 diabetes management. Here’s what people with diabetes, and their care teams, should know.
💡 What Is Virtual Care?
Virtual care includes telemedicine consultations, mobile apps, remote blood glucose monitoring, online diabetes education, and digital support communities. It allows patients to manage their condition from home while staying connected with healthcare providers.
🔍 What the Research Found
The review highlighted strong evidence that virtual care leads to better blood sugar control:
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HbA1c improvements: On average, virtual care led to a 0.37% reduction in HbA1c levels, enough to lower the risk of complications like kidney disease, neuropathy, and vision loss.
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Wider benefits: Some reviews also found modest improvements in body weight and medication adherence, though results were mixed.
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Most effective tools: Programs that used personalized feedback, real-time monitoring (like continuous glucose monitors), and direct communication with a diabetes care team tended to show the greatest improvements.
👥 Does It Work for Everyone?
Not all virtual care works the same for everyone. The review found that:
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Age, digital literacy, and socioeconomic factors can influence how effective these interventions are.
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Personalized, culturally tailored virtual care platforms are more successful than generic ones.
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Programs that combine digital support with human interaction (e.g., phone check-ins with a nurse or educator) tend to keep people more engaged.
🧭 What This Means for You
If you're managing type 2 diabetes, virtual care could be a helpful tool in your daily routine. It can make it easier to:
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Stay on top of your blood sugars
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Receive guidance between appointments
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Track progress toward your health goals
Ask your healthcare provider about apps, remote monitoring, or telehealth programs that might suit your lifestyle.
📚 Reference:
Zhu et al. (2025). Effect of virtual care in type 2 diabetes management – a systematic umbrella review. BMC Health Services Research.
Available at: https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-025-12496-0
