A cutting-edge tele-monitoring system, OPTIMUM (Optimising care of Patients via Telemedicine In Monitoring and Augmenting their control of Diabetes Mellitus), has delivered remarkable clinical outcomes in a groundbreaking study led by SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) and the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT). Over a six-month period, the OPTIMUM system significantly improved glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol management among 160 adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Transforming Diabetes Care Through Telemedicine

The randomized controlled trial conducted at SHP-Sengkang enrolled 330 eligible patients, comparing the OPTIMUM tele-monitoring system against standard care practices. Equipped with Bluetooth-enabled devices, including a weighing scale, glucometer, and blood pressure monitor, patients in the intervention group engaged in structured self-monitoring guided by the OPTIMUM app. The system provided real-time feedback, educational videos, and tele-consultations, empowering patients to take control of their health.

Significant Health Improvements and Sustained Results

The trial revealed notable reductions in key health indicators for the intervention group, including:

• HbA1c Reduction: Patients in the OPTIMUM group saw a 0.34% greater reduction in HbA1c levels compared to those receiving standard care.
• Blood Pressure: The average systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significantly lower (130.12 mmHg) than in the control group (133.10 mmHg).
• Cholesterol Levels: The intervention group achieved an average total cholesterol level of 4.18 mmol/L, outperforming the control group’s average of 4.35 mmol/L.
• Medication Adherence: Patients using OPTIMUM were five times more likely to follow their prescribed medication regimen.

“These promising results highlight the potential of telemedicine to reshape diabetes care,” stated Dr. Lee Cia Sin, Family Physician at SHP-Sengkang. “The OPTIMUM system’s integration of real-time monitoring, patient education, and proactive clinician feedback has shown a sustained improvement in health outcomes, even after the trial ended.”

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up Tele-Monitoring Across Singapore

Following the successful trial, MOHT has launched the Primary Tech-Enhanced Care - Diabetes Mellitus (PTEC-DM) program, expanding tele-monitoring capabilities to four additional polyclinics. Early outcomes from the PTEC-DM pilot indicate continued positive trends, paving the way for broader implementation across Singapore’s healthcare system.

“OPTIMUM has set a new standard for patient self-management and diabetes care,” remarked A/Prof Tan Ngiap Chuan, Director of Research at SHP. “The long-term benefits, including reduced healthcare costs and improved patient outcomes, make this a scalable solution for the growing diabetes burden in Singapore.”

Empowering Patients to Take Control of Their Health

Patient testimonials reflect the transformative impact of the OPTIMUM system. Mr. Faridon Abd Aziz, a participant in the study, shared: “The app has given me a deeper understanding of my diabetes and empowered me to make better health decisions.” Another patient, Ms. Vasudeva Sujatha Menon, added: “OPTIMUM helped me stay on top of my blood sugar levels and take a more proactive approach to my health.”

As diabetes continues to be a major public health challenge, the OPTIMUM system offers a promising pathway to enhanced diabetes management, better patient engagement, and improved quality of life.