Researchers at The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and their colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that individuals with diabetes can achieve equivalent positive outcomes using advanced insulin technology whether they are trained by their primary care providers (PCPs) or through telehealth services. This study, which concentrated on Type 1 diabetes, marks a significant advancement in making state-of-the-art medical care accessible to people with diabetes, particularly those residing in rural or remote areas.
The findings of this research have been published today in the journal Clinical Diabetes. It underscores that automated insulin delivery (AID) technology, such as iLet, can be utilized effectively by PCPs and through telehealth platforms. This development makes life-saving advanced care more accessible to a wider range of patients regardless of their location.
“This is truly groundbreaking,” stated Sean Oser, MD, MPH, an associate professor in family medicine from the CU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “By enabling PCPs and telehealth training, we can extend access to cutting-edge diabetes management tools across diverse populations.”
In their research, the team found that 97% of all participants were able to achieve healthy blood sugar levels, with 64% meeting even more stringent targets. The effectiveness of remote or primary care physician-led training was comparable to in-person sessions conducted by specialists. This similarity demonstrates the potential for greater accessibility and reach of advanced diabetes treatment methods.
Dr. Oser’s passion for this research stems from his personal experience, having both he and his wife work as family practitioners while their daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “It became evident to us that even within our professional background, accessing some essential care resources could be challenging,” explained Dr. Oser. “Realizing these difficulties ourselves, we understood many others were likely facing similar issues.”
The study also highlighted a critical disparity in healthcare availability: While 75.3% of U.S counties lack an endocrinologist, nearly all (96%) have at least one primary care provider. This data emphasizes the importance of utilizing PCPs and telehealth to bridge this gap.
“Our latest findings prove that with appropriate training, primary care providers can deliver high-quality diabetes care using advanced technology without the need for specialized clinics or extensive travel,” Oser explained. “Telehealth further extends reach to patients facing barriers in accessing traditional medical services.”
This research opens avenues for millions of people with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively, reduce complications, and improve overall health outcomes.
“As diabetes care evolves, it’s crucial that we develop strategies to make the best treatments available as widely as possible,” Oser continued. “Primary care and telehealth are pivotal in achieving this objective.”
Although the initial study was conducted over a two-week period, Dr. Oser has been granted approval for a follow-up investigation spanning 13 weeks. This second phase will include both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients.
