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 BG, e.g. neurogenic and neuroglycopenic symptoms; and 2) interpret external cues to detect current and anticipate future extreme BG, e.g. insulin timing/dose, recent SMBG results. Although outcome studies utilizing BGAT are significant, limitations include requirement of eight weekly meetings, and limited professionals trained to deliver BGAT.

Research Design and Methods: Therefore, BGAT was operationalized for web-based delivery. The Internet allows BGAT delivery to be dynamic, engaging, convenient, and personalized. Using a 2 (BGAThome, N=20 vs. Control, N=20) X 2 (pre-post) design, efficacy was evaluated.

Results: BGAThome was judged as useful and easy to use, completed by 94% of the participants, and resulted in significant clinical improvements (p<.05).

Conclusions: The Internet may be an efficient and effective means of delivering diabetes interventions like BGAT.