Blood glucose awareness training delivered over the internet

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - Blood glucose awareness training (BGAT), a psycho-educational intervention, trains individuals with type 1 diabetes to 1) detect/interpret internal cues to better detect extreme blood glucose levels, e.g., neurogenic and neuroglycopenic symptoms; and 2) interpret external cues to detect current and anticipate future extreme blood glucose levels, e.g., insulin timing/dose and recent self-monitoring of blood glucose results. Although outcome studies using BGAT are significant, limitations include the requirement of eight weekly meetings and limited professionals trained to deliver BGAT. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Due to the limitations mentioned above, BGAT was converted for web-based delivery. The internet allows BGAT delivery to be dynamic, engaging, convenient, and personalized. Efficacy was evaluated usinga 2 (BGAThome, n = 20, vs. control, n = 20) × 2 (pre/post) design. RESULTS - BGAThome was judged as useful and easy to use, was completed by 94% of the participants, and resulted in significant clinical improvements (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS - The internet may be an efficient and effective means of delivering diabetes interventions like BGAT. © 2008 by the American Diabetes Association.