VIRTUAL DIABETES SPECIALTY CARE - INDIVIDUALIZED TELEMEDICINE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2-1-2023

Publication Title

Diabetes Technol Ther

Abstract

Background and Aims: The feasibility and efficacy of establishing a comprehensive care virtual diabetes clinic model including initiation and support for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use was examined.

Methods: 234 adults ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes (T1D; N= 160) or type 2 diabetes (T2D, N= 74) using basal-bolus insulin (73 pump, 161 multiple daily insulin injections) were assigned a certified diabetes care and education specialist to provide telehealth support including remote CGM training. Participants not using a Dexcom G6 CGM (N = 187) at enrollment were provided a Dexcom G6; current users (N = 47) continued use. Participants were followed for 6 months to assess CGM use, glycemic and quality of life outcomes.

Results: Mean HbA1c reduction from baseline to 6 months was 0.6% (P < 0.001)(T1D) and 1.0% (P < 0.001)(T2D). Mean glucose decreased from 183mg/dL to 165mg/dL (T1D) and 199mg/dL to 166mg/dL (T2D). Over 6 months, mean% time in range 70-180 mg/dL increased from 50% at baseline to 61% (T1D) and 48% to 66% (T2D); median use of CGM was 96% (T1D) and 94% (T2D). Glycemic outcomes improvements were observed in both current CGM users and those initiating CGM. Surveys indicated substantial benefit of CGM with reduced diabetes distress, and increased glucose monitoring satisfaction.

Conclusions: Virtual clinic support was successful in achieving sustained CGM use and improved glycemic and quality of life outcomes. This approach could substantially increase CGM adoption by people with diabetes using insulin and improve outcomes among current CGM users by eliminating barriers such as geography and access to specialty care.

Volume

25

Issue

Supplement 2

First Page

A75

Last Page

A76

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