Telehealth interventions to reduce managementcomplications in type 1 diabetes： A review

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness with a high burden ofcare. While effective interventions and recommendationsfor diabetes care exist, the intensive nature of diabetesmanagement makes compliance difficult. This isespecially true in children and adolescents as theyhave unique psychosocial and diabetes needs. Despitethe development of effective in-person interventionstargeting improving self-management and amelioratingpsychosocial difficulties there are still a number ofbarriers to implementing these interventions, namelytime, cost, and access. Telehealth interventions allowfor the dissemination of these interventions to a broaderaudience. Self-management and psychosocial telehealthinterventions are reviewed with a special emphasis onmobile phone and internet based technology use. Whileefficacy has been demonstrated in a number of telehealthinterventions with improved cost effectiveness over inpersoninterventions, many challenges remain includinghigh participant attrition and difficulties with receivingreimbursement for services rendered. These and otherchallenges are discussed with recommendations forresearchers and telehealth providers provided.