DIABSAT Telemedicine Itinerant Screening of Chronic Complications of Diabetes Using a Satellite.

BACKGROUND: Health authorities recommend regular screening for the chronic complications of diabetes. The ENTRED * survey results show that insufficient screening is undertaken. The DIABSAT † program aims to improve care for diabetes patients in rural areas of the Midi-Pyrénées region, telemonitoring complications of diabetes through an itinerant screening service.

METHODS: A vehicle was equipped with a satellite dish and medical equipment for screening ophthalmological, renal, vascular, and neuropathic damage and assessing the level of risk of diabetic foot ulceration. Onboard, a nurse performs some or all of the tests on patients who have had no diabetes review for over a year. The data are entered into a computer and transmitted by satellite for interpretation by designated specialists. The results are sent to patients, general practitioners (GPs), and diabetologists.

RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-eight screening days were held in six departments of the Midi-Pyrénées between 2010 and 2013. 1,545 patients were screened: mean age 70.7 years, 55.8% men. 93.4% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, mean duration 11.7 years. Recruitment was chiefly by health professionals (55%). 17-32% of tests detected pathologies: 18.7% diabetic retinopathy, 31.9% microalbuminuria, 17.2% lower limb arteriopathy, 28.3% peripheral neuropathy, and 28.2% high risk of foot ulceration (grade 2: 20.6% and grade 3: 7.6%).

CONCLUSION: The large number of patients screened and the high rate of pathological results found, confirm telemonitoring viability and relevance. DIABSAT, a primary resource for healthcare professionals, improves healthcare access through its innovative organization and use of satellite technology.