Monitoring in diabetes self-management: issues and recommendations for improvement

Accessibility of diabetes education in the United States: barriers, policy implications, and the road ahead

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs are an effective, yet underutilized, resource to improve health outcomes and behaviors for people with diabetes. We examined the attendance and referral rates for people with diabetes to DSMES classes at an academic medical center, noting a 10% referral rate and 37% completion rate for those referred. We identified barriers to DSMES care at patient, provider, and health system levels. Current technology platforms and training fail to prioritize referrals to diabetes education; providers and people with diabetes are often unfamiliar with program content and benefits. Scheduling mechanisms often delay or lose interested patients in receiving vital education. Existing Medicare reimbursement strategies limit expansion of DSMES programs, generating significant wait times and limit capabilities for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. We identify potential policy solutions and recommend alterations to existing referral and scheduling systems to expand existing technology platforms for DSMES programs and shift reimbursement policies to individualize and better support care for persons with diabetes.

Moms in motion: weight loss intervention for postpartum mothers after gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Up to 50 % of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) will receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) within a decade after pregnancy. While excess postpartum weight retention exacerbates T2DM risk, lifestyle changes and behavior modifications can promote healthy postpartum weight loss and contribute to T2DM prevention efforts. However, some women have difficulty prioritizing self-care during this life stage. Efficacious interventions that women can balance with motherhood to reduce T2DM risk remain a goal. The objective of the Moms in Motion study is to evaluate the efficacy of a simple, novel, activity-boosting intervention using ankle weights worn with daily activities during a 6-month postpartum intervention among women with GDM. We hypothesize that women randomized to the 6-month intensity-modifying intervention will (1) demonstrate greater weight loss and (2) greater improvement in body composition and biomarker profile versus controls.

Methods

This study will be a parallel two-arm randomized controlled trial (n = 160). Women will be allocated 1:1 to an ankle weight intervention group or a standard-of-care control group. The intervention uses ankle weights (1.1 kg) worn on each ankle during routine daily activities (e.g., cleaning, childcare). Primary outcomes include pre- and post-assessments of weight from Visit 2 to Visit 3. Secondary outcomes include body composition, glycemia (2-h, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test), and fasting insulin. Exploratory outcomes include energy expenditure, diet, and psychosocial well-being.

Discussion

Beyond the expected significance of this study in its direct health impacts from weight loss, it will contribute to exploring (1) the mechanism(s) by which the intervention is successful (mediating effects of energy expenditure and diet on weight loss) and (2) the effects of the intervention on body composition and biomarkers associated with insulin resistance and metabolic health. Additionally, we expect the findings to be meaningful regarding the intervention’s effectiveness on engaging women with GDM in the postpartum period to reduce T2DM risk.

Trial registration

The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, is NCT03664089. The trial registration date is September 10, 2018. The trial sponsor is Dr. Sarah A. Keim.

What Kind of Information and Communication Technologies Do Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prefer? An Ecuadorian Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency of use of information and communication technologies and patterns of preference among Ecuadorian patients with diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey on type 2 diabetes mellitus. A chi-square test for association and adjusted regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

248 patients were enrolled, with a mean sample age of 57.7 years. SMS was the most used ICT (66.0%). The Internet was used by 45.2% of patients to obtain information about diabetes. SMS and email were rated as the most useful ICTs for receiving information (64.5% and 28.1%, resp.) and asking physicians about diabetes (63.8% and 26.1%, resp.). Patients were also interested in receiving disease information (82.4%) and asking physicians about diabetes (84.7%) through WhatsApp. Adjusted logistic regressions revealed that individuals aged 55 years or younger, those with superior degree level, and those with long diabetes history preferred email for receiving information and asking physicians about diabetes compared to those above 55 years, those with low education level, and those with short diabetes history, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Understanding preferences of ICTs among patients with diabetes could facilitate application development targeted towards specific requirements from patients.

New directions for diabetes prevention and management in behavioral medicine

Accelerating diabetes rates have resulted in a global public health epidemic. Lifestyle change is a cornerstone of care, yet regimen demands may result in adherence difficulties. Distress, depression, and other psychosocial concerns are higher in those with diabetes. While interventions, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program appear to be effective, further research is needed to support the translation of interventions to prevent diabetes. Studies assessing optimal approaches to promoting effective decision making, coping and adherence are needed. More information is needed to evaluate the influence and potential of emerging technologies on intervention delivery and quality of life in children and adults with diabetes. Theoretically informed, interdisciplinary studies that consider ecological models are needed to develop a roadmap for policies and diabetes management recommendations. Reduction of diabetes-related health disparities is a critical area for future studies. Behavioral medicine scientists and practitioners are poised to address these and other proposed future research directions to advance diabetes prevention and management.

Overcoming Clinical Inertia: A Randomized Clinical Trial of a Telehealth Remote Monitoring Intervention Using Paired Glucose Testing in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a worldwide challenge. Practice guidelines promote structured self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) for informing health care providers about glycemic control and providing patient feedback to increase knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavior change. Paired glucose testing—pairs of glucose results obtained before and after a meal or physical activity—is a method of structured SMBG. However, frequent access to glucose data to interpret values and recommend actions is challenging. A complete feedback loop—data collection and interpretation combined with feedback to modify treatment—has been associated with improved outcomes, yet there remains limited integration of SMBG feedback in diabetes management. Incorporating telehealth remote monitoring and asynchronous electronic health record (EHR) feedback from certified diabetes educators (CDEs)—specialists in glucose pattern management—employ the complete feedback loop to improve outcomes.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a telehealth remote monitoring intervention using paired glucose testing and asynchronous data analysis in adults with type 2 diabetes. The primary aim was change in glycated hemoglobin (A_1c)—a measure of overall glucose management—between groups after 6 months. The secondary aims were change in self-reported Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA), Diabetes Empowerment Scale, and Diabetes Knowledge Test.

Methods

A 2-group randomized clinical trial was conducted comparing usual care to telehealth remote monitoring with paired glucose testing and asynchronous virtual visits. Participants were aged 30-70 years, not using insulin with A_1c levels between 7.5% and 10.9% (58-96 mmol/mol). The telehealth remote monitoring tablet computer transmitted glucose data and facilitated a complete feedback loop to educate participants, analyze actionable glucose data, and provide feedback. Data from paired glucose testing were analyzed asynchronously using computer-assisted pattern analysis and were shared with patients via the EHR weekly. CDEs called participants monthly to discuss paired glucose testing trends and treatment changes. Separate mixed-effects models were used to analyze data.

Results

Participants (N=90) were primarily white (64%, 56/87), mean age 58 (SD 11) years, mean body mass index 34.1 (SD 6.7) kg/m2, with diabetes for mean 8.2 (SD 5.4) years, and a mean A_1c of 8.3% (SD 1.1; 67 mmol/mol). Both groups lowered A_1c with an estimated average decrease of 0.70 percentage points in usual care group and 1.11 percentage points in the treatment group with a significant difference of 0.41 percentage points at 6 months (SE 0.08, t₁₅₉=–2.87, P=.005). Change in medication (SE 0.21, t₁₅₇=–3.37, P=.009) was significantly associated with lower A_1c level. The treatment group significantly improved on the SDSCA subscales carbohydrate spacing (P=.04), monitoring glucose (P=.001), and foot care (P=.02).

Conclusions

An eHealth model incorporating a complete feedback loop with telehealth remote monitoring and paired glucose testing with asynchronous data analysis significantly improved A_1c levels compared to usual care.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01715649; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01715649 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ZinLl8D0).

Patient perspectives on self-monitoring of blood glucose: perceived recommendations, behaviors and barriers in a clinic sample of adults with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Patient-centered perspectives on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SBMG) were assessed in adults with type 2 diabetes using a self-regulation conceptual framework.

METHODS

Participants (N = 589; 53 % female) were adults with type 2 diabetes who were recruited during routine appointments at a diabetes outpatient clinic in the Southeastern/lower Midwestern region of the United States.

RESULTS

Participant's had varying perceptions regarding provider recommendations for SMBG (responder n = 380). Personal blood glucose testing patterns were also varied and reports frequently omitted (responder n = 296). Respondent's most frequent personal pattern was to test "occasionally, as needed," which did not differ by insulin use status, gender or age. In those not prescribed insulin, HbA1c reflected better control in those testing at least once per week (p = .040) or with a blood glucose goal (p = .018). 30.9 % endorsed at least monthly perceived encounters with SMBG barriers, with higher reports by women (p = .005) and younger (p = .006) participants. Poorer glycemic control was observed for participants with more frequently reported scheduling (p = .025, .041) and discouragement (p = .003) barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that many may experience difficulty integrating SMBG into their lives and are unsure of recommendations and appropriate function. Research is needed to promote best practice recommendations for SMBG.

Diabetes self-management support for patients with low health literacy: Perceptions of patients and providers

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to explore perceptions and strategies of health care providers regarding diabetes self-management support for patients with low health literacy (LHL), and to compare their self-management support with the needs of patients with LHL and type 2 diabetes. This study serves as a problem analysis for systematic intervention development to improve diabetes self-management among patients with LHL.

METHODS

This qualitative study used in-depth interviews with general practitioners (n = 4), nurse practitioners (n = 5), and patients with LHL (n = 31). The results of the interviews with health care providers guided the patient interviews. In addition, we observed 10 general practice consultations.

RESULTS

Providers described patients with LHL as uninvolved and less motivated patients who do not understand self-management. Their main strategy to improve self-management was to provide standard information on a repeated basis. Patients with LHL seemed to have a different view of diabetes self-management than their providers. Most demonstrated a low awareness of what self-management involves, but did not express needing more information. They reported several practical barriers to self-management, although they seemed reluctant to use the information provided to overcome them.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing and repeating information does not fit the needs of patients with LHL regarding diabetes self-management support. Health care providers do not seem to have the insight or the tools to systematically support diabetes self-management in this group. Systematic intervention development with a focus on skills-based approaches rather than cognition development may improve diabetes self-management support of patients with LHL.

Comorbidity, health-related quality of life and self-care in type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study in an outpatient population

BACKGROUND

Comorbid conditions may be related (concordant) or unrelated (discordant) to diabetes. Comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-care.

AIM

To examine the impact of comorbidity on HRQoL and self-care in T2DM patients attending an outpatient setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire was sent to 498 patients with T2DM, aged 25-80 years, previously attending (August 2011-July 2012) an outpatient diabetes service in a Dublin hospital. The EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) and a modified summary of diabetes self-care activities scale were used to assess HRQoL and self-care, respectively. Comorbidity was assessed using a simplified version of the self-administered comorbidity Questionnaire. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine the association between EQ-5D index scores or self-care, and the number and type of comorbidities. Multiple linear regression, adjusting for age and sex, was used to examine the association between EQ-5D score, comorbidity score and type.

RESULT

EQ-5D scores decreased with an increasing number of comorbidities and with discordant comorbidity (P = 0.0001). Comorbidity type was associated with physical activity. The highest level of physical activity was reported in respondents with no comorbidity (median 4.5 IQR 3-6), while the lowest was in patients with both concordant and discordant comorbidity (median 2.5 IQR 0-5).

CONCLUSIONS

Health professionals should be aware of the fall in HRQoL associated with comorbidity. This should be taken into account in the management of patients. Patients with discordant comorbidity should be advised and supported to maintain levels of physical activity.

Use of technology when assessing adherence to diabetes self-management behaviors

During the last several decades, a proliferation of sophisticated technology has taken place to facilitate diabetes self-management and improve health outcomes. Blood glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitors have significant data storage capacity, which can be used to summarize diabetes health management and outcomes. In the absence of technology errors or failures, and in the context of the multiple psychosocial factors associated with nonadherence, these data have the potential to elucidate diabetes care because they reflect actual patient behaviors. This review provides a summary of the diabetes adherence literature in the context of current American Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Recommendations with a focus on studies that have used objective methods (ie, data derived from technology) to assess diabetes care provider and patient adherence in the areas of glucose monitoring; insulin administration and antihyperglycemic medications; medical nutrition therapy; and physical activity.

Critical care diabetes education: who, what, when, where, and why

While patients are in the critical care areas, hyperglycemia occurs in more than 50% of patients with or without diabetes. This education time is a crucial for the patients and families, because their attention to better health is heightened by their reason for being in a critical care unit. Nurses can be leaders in starting them in the right direction for diabetes self-management by understanding the basics of diabetes care and education. This article discusses how to equip a patient with the skills they need to live with diabetes.

Using a mobile application to self-monitor diet and fluid intake among adults receiving hemodialysis

Hemodialysis patients have difficulty self-managing a complex dietary and fluid regimen. The purpose of this feasibility study was to pilot test an electronic self-monitoring intervention based on social cognitive theory. During a 6-week intervention, 24 participants self-monitored diet and fluid intake using the Dietary Intake Monitoring Application (DIMA), and 20 participants served as controls by monitoring their activity using the Daily Activity Monitor Application (DAMA). Results from this pilot study suggest the intervention is feasible and acceptable, although few significant effects on outcomes were found in this small sample. The DIMA has potential to facilitate dietary and fluid self-monitoring but requires additional refinement and further testing.

Diabetes self-management in patients with low health literacy: ordering findings from literature in a health literacy framework

OBJECTIVE

To review studies on the association between health literacy (HL), diabetes self-management and possible mediating variables.

METHODS

We systematically searched for empirical studies in PubMed. Findings were ordered by a HL framework that outlines routes between HL, sociocognitive determinants and health actions.

RESULTS

Of the 11 relevant studies, three reported a significant positive association between HL and specific diabetes self-management domains. Ten studies investigated the association between HL and knowledge (n=8), beliefs (n=2), self-efficacy (n=3) and/or social support (n=1). Significant associations were found between HL and knowledge (n=6), self-efficacy (n=1) and social support (n=1). Of the three studies evaluating the effect of these sociocognitive variables on diabetes self-management, only one found proof for a mediating variable (social support) in the pathway between HL and self-management.

CONCLUSION

There is only limited evidence for a significant association between HL and diabetes self-management, and for the mediating role of sociocognitive variables in this pathway.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Longitudinal studies, including HL, diabetes self-management and potential mediators, are needed to substantiate possible associations between these variables. Such research is essential to enable evidence-based development of interventions to increase adequate and sustainable self-management in diabetic patients with low HL.

A problem-solving approach to effective insulin injection for patients at either end of the body mass index

People with diabetes require skills and knowledge to adhere to medication regimens and self-manage this complex disease. Effective self-management is contingent upon effective problem solving and decision making. Gaps existed regarding useful approaches to problem solving by individuals with very low and very high body mass index (BMI) who self-administer insulin injections. This article addresses those gaps by presenting findings from a patient survey, a symposium on the topic of problem solving, and recent interviews with diabetes educators to facilitate problem-solving approaches for people with diabetes with high and low BMI who inject insulin and/or other medications. In practice, problem solving involves problem identification, definition, and specification; goal and barrier identification are a prelude to generating a set of potential strategies for problem resolution and applying these strategies to implement a solution. Teaching techniques, such as site rotation and ensuring that people with diabetes use the appropriate equipment, increase confidence with medication adherence. Medication taking is more effective when people with diabetes are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving behaviors to effectively self-manage their injections.