Impacto de la telemedicina versus consultas presenciales en la gestión de diabetes e hipertensión

The management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension requires continuous monitoring to prevent complications and improve patients’ quality of life. Traditionally, this has been achieved through in-person consultations; however, telemedicinehas emerged as an effective alternative. This study compared both models among users of the Zona Protegida project at the Instituto Superior Tecnológico Universitario Portoviejo. A cross-sectional, observational, and comparative study was conducted with 100 patients diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension (50 per group), selected through convenience sampling. Biometric data and patient satisfaction were analyzed using validated questionnaires, applying descriptive and comparative statistics. The results showed that telemedicine was significantly more effective in biometric control and treatment adherence, with a higher percentage of patients achieving clinical stability and therapeutic compliance. Additionally, patients valued its accessibility and continuous monitoring, although a considerable group preferred a hybrid model. This study confirms that telemedicine enhances chronic disease management, surpassing in-person consultations in several key indicators. However, limitations such as potential biases and the lack of long-term follow-up highlight the need for further studies, particularly in Latin America, where technological infrastructure, cultural diversity, and differences in healthcare systems may influence its effectiveness.