Effectiveness of Telenursing Interventions in Diabetes Management: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and its inadequate control leads to numerous complications at both individual and health system levels. Considering the need for continuous care and patient education, telenursing has emerged as a novel approach to enhance self-care and treatment adherence among diabetic patients. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effectiveness of remote nursing interventions in the management of different types of diabetes.

Methods: This study was a systematic review conducted based on the PICO framework. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran databases from January 2012 to December 2025. The keywords Telenursing, Telemedicine, Diabetes Mellitus, Remote Care, and Self- care were used. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies in Persian and English that investigated remote nursing interventions among diabetic patients were included. Data were extracted and analyzed using a qualitative analysis approach with structured descriptive-analytical synthesis.

Results: A total of 22 studies published between 2012 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Telenursing interventions included regular telephone follow-ups, educational text messaging, mobile applications, web-based platforms, and remote monitoring systems. Most studies reported significant improvements in metabolic control indicators, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, and body mass index, in intervention groups compared to usual care. Moreover, notable improvements were observed in self-care behaviors, treatment adherence, patient satisfaction, and self-efficacy.

Conclusion: The findings of this review indicate that telenursing interventions are effective in improving glycemic control and promoting self-care behaviors among patients with various types of diabetes. The integration of digital technologies with continuous nursing support and feedback plays a crucial role in enhancing clinical and behavioral outcomes. Expanding and localizing telenursing programs can help improve care quality and reduce healthcare costs for diabetic patients.