Effects of internet-based interventions on improvement of glycemic control and self-management in older adults with diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis

To assess and summarize the effects of internet-based interventions on diabetes control and self-management of older adults with diabetes.PubMed, Web of Science and three Chinese databases were searched to identified articles published in until December 2021. Clinical trials if they covered the effects of internet-based interventions on diabetes control and self-management of older adults with diabetes were included. All data analysis were performed by Review Manager 5.3.Sixteen studies with a total of 5604 participants met the inclusion criteria. Our primary outcomes included HbA1c control and self-management. (1) HbA1c control: results indicated statistically difference and high heterogeneity [Q = 112.9, df = 8, p < 0.001, I2 = 93%], in the subgroup analysis of studies in China, results showed a significant influence of internet-based interventions on HbA1c control [Q = 21.31, df = 5, p = 0.03, I2 = 77%]; (2) self-management: in the subgroup analysis of study duration ≤ 6 months [Q = 84.62, df = 2, p < 0.001, I2 = 98%].Internet-based interventions are promising on diabetes control and self-management of older adults with diabetes, but still preliminary due to the heterogeneity of intervention components and the limited number of higher methodological quality trials.Applicable.