Researchers from The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in collaboration with colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that individuals with diabetes can achieve equivalent positive outcomes utilizing advanced insulin technology through training by their primary care providers (PCPs) or via telehealth, as opposed to receiving face-to-face consultations with specialists. The study, which centered on Type 1 diabetes, marks a significant advancement in increasing access to cutting-edge medical care for people living with diabetes, particularly those residing in rural or remote areas.
The findings were published today in the journal Clinical Diabetes. This research indicates that automated insulin delivery (AID) technology, such as iLet systems, can be effectively implemented by PCPs and through telehealth modalities, thereby making this life-saving technology available to a broader patient population regardless of their geographical location.
“We are thrilled to demonstrate that advanced diabetes care can indeed reach more patients without the need for specialized clinics or extensive travel,” said Sean Oser, MD, MPH. “As an associate professor in family medicine from the CU School of Medicine and lead author of this study, my wife and I became deeply passionate about this research after our daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
According to the study’s results, 97% of all participants were able to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, while 64% achieved even better targets. The outcomes from telehealth training or primary care delivery paralleled those obtained through in-person specialist consultations, underscoring the potential for wider access to advanced diabetes care.
Recognizing that many medical professionals face challenges similar to ours regarding resource availability for their own family member’s diabetes care led Dr. Oser and his wife to advocate fiercely for this research:
“If we encountered these difficulties, it was evident that countless other individuals likely faced the same issues,” he said.
The researchers also noted that 75.3% of counties in the United States lack a single endocrinologist but have at least one primary care provider available. This disparity highlights the necessity for enhancing diabetes care through alternative avenues like telehealth and PCP training using advanced technologies.
“Our latest study proves conclusively that with proper training, primary healthcare providers can offer high-quality diabetes management services utilizing cutting-edge technology without requiring specialized clinics or expensive travel,” Dr. Oser continued. “By integrating telehealth into the equation, this technology becomes even more accessible to patients who encounter barriers in accessing care.”
These findings have significant implications for millions of people with diabetes as they may lead to better disease management, reduced complications, and improved overall health outcomes.
“As healthcare evolves to meet the demands of modern medicine, we must strive to ensure that the most effective treatments are accessible to everyone,” Dr. Oser concluded. “Primary care providers and telehealth play a crucial role in achieving this objective.”
Although the initial study spanned only two weeks, Dr. Oser mentioned receiving approval for a second study set to last 13 weeks, including participants with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
