Several Aspects of Internet and Web-Based Technology in Diabetes Management

As evidenced by a large number of well-conducted randomized trials, the complications and confounding conditions that can result from mismanagement of diabetes can be reduced or prevented with appropriate medical care (1–5). Observational studies to ascertain the level of glycemic control, blood pressure control, and cholesterol control in people with diabetes provide evidence of poor adherence to established self-management protocols (6–9). Although diabetes shares characteristics with other chronic lifelong diseases that require a model of continuous care, successful management of diabetes is primarily based on patients’ ability to maintain consistency in self-care–related behaviors (10–14). Diabetes care requires long-term self-management and a willingness to adapt to a new lifestyle, which includes changes in eating habits, regular exercise, and adherence to medication schedules (15–19). Thus, diabetes health care providers have limited control over the actual development and treatment of the disease (20–24).