JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Diabetes mellitus represents a major global public health concern, with its growing burden largely driven by modifiable risk factors that continue to rise across countries. Emerging evidence suggests that telemedicine can effectively support diabetes care; however, limited attention has been given to the characteristics of telemedicine diabetes approaches within primary healthcare settings. This study aims to identify existing evidence on telemedicine approaches for diabetes care and to examine how these approaches support the implementation of Chronic Care Model components.

Objective:

This study aims to identify existing evidence on telemedicine approaches for diabetes care and to examine how these approaches support the implementation of Chronic Care Model components.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed across Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and EBSCOhost. A total of 93 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.

Results:

The findings identified a range of telemedicine approaches used to support diabetes management in PHC, including teleconsultation, telecoaching, telemonitoring, tele-expertise, and teleophthalmology. Many interventions incorporated multiple modalities. These approaches align with the six core domains of the CCM—delivery system design, decision support, self-management support, clinical information systems, health system organisation, and community resources and policies—with each approach relate to one or more domains.

Conclusions:

These approaches improve access, care coordination, and patient engagement, while achieving outcomes comparable to in-person care. However, their effectiveness varies across modalities and contexts, highlighting the importance of robust digital infrastructure, workforce capacity, and supportive policy environments. Future research should prioritize exploring the key enablers and barriers to the implementation of these modalities, as well as identifying the contexts in which they are most effective.