Effectiveness of telerehabilitation in type 2 diabetes mellitus care: a systematic review

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that necessitates continuous monitoring and comprehensive care. Telerehabilitation (TR) has gained recognition as a viable alternative to conventional in-person care, enabling patients to manage blood glucose levels, increase physical activity, and improve quality of life (QoL) through remote interventions. Aim: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TR in managing T2DM, with a particular emphasis on its impact on glycemic control, physical performance, treatment adherence, and overall patient well-being. Methods: This review was conducted by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024583952). An extensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key outcome measures included HbA1c levels, functional capacity, muscle strength, and QoL. Results: All five RCTs met the eligibility criteria. The studies showed significant improvements, with HbA1c reductions ranging from 0.26% to 1.02%, enhanced physical endurance, increased muscle strength, and improved QoL. TR interventions also resulted in higher patient adherence compared to traditional care methods. Conclusion: TR seems to be an effective and accessible way to manage T2DM, especially for those who have difficulty accessing in-person care. Further research is needed to investigate its long-term benefits and the feasibility of integrating it more widely into mainstream healthcare systems.