Assessing the Impact of Virtual Health Counseling on Diabetes Management

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, increasingly prevalent condition requiring continuous medical care and lifestyle management. Virtual health counselling has emerged as a promising digital solution to support diabetes management, particularly in underserved and remote regions. This study investigates how virtual counselling can enhance patient engagement, improve glycemic control, and foster adherence to treatment among patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods and Materials: This project employed a structured virtual health counselling intervention conducted over 10 weeks, targeting adults with Type 2 diabetes. The intervention included bi-weekly telemedicine sessions covering diet, exercise, medication adherence, and mental health. Pre- and post-intervention surveys, expert interviews, and clinical data (e.g., HbA1c levels) were used to assess patient knowledge, engagement, and health outcomes. A mixed-methods approach incorporated both quantitative health metrics and qualitative feedback from healthcare professionals and patients.

Results: The program achieved a 55% patient engagement rate. Survey responses revealed increased knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction with diabetes management post-intervention. Notably, 75% of participants showed improvements in blood glucose control, with average HbA1c reductions ranging from 5% to 12%. Despite some technological barriers and the need for more personalized care, the virtual counselling model proved effective in improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion: Virtual health counselling significantly supports diabetes management by enhancing patient engagement, promoting better glycemic control, and offering accessible, flexible healthcare. Integrating telehealth into diabetes care pathways may reduce complications and improve quality of life. Future initiatives should address technical limitations and personalize care to maximize impact.