To determine the impact of a combined face-to-face (f2f) and online training program on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in elderly patients, a single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2021 to April 2023 at a tertiary public hospital in China. Participants aged 60+ were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. After a six-month f2f program followed by 18 months of online guidance, intervention participants achieved significantly greater reductions in annual medical expenses (mean difference (SD) -946.39 (244.75); p = 0.001), FBG (mean difference (SD) -0.64 (0.20); p = 0.003), and 2hPBG (mean difference (SD) -2.68 (0.87); p = 0.004) compared to the control group at 24 months. A greater proportion had reduced diabetes medications (RR 7.82; p = 0.043). Self-management ability improved in the intervention group (mean difference (SD) 10.11 (4.39); p = 0.028). HbA1c remained unchanged in the intervention group but increased in the control group (mean difference (SD) -0.68 (0.14); p < 0.001). The combined f2f and online program reduces medical expenses and improves various health outcomes in elderly T2DM patients.

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