Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Consensus Report of the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of PAs, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Pharmacists Association

Improved Glycemic Control through Robot-Assisted Remote Interview for Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Our research group developed a robot-assisted diabetes self-management monitoring system to support Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs) in tracking the health status of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this system on glycemic control and to identify suitable candidates for its use. Materials and Methods: After obtaining written informed consent from all participants with T2D, the CDCESs conducted remote interviews with the patients using RoBoHoN. All participants completed a questionnaire immediately after the experiment. HbA1c was assessed at the time of the interview and two months later, and glycemic control status was categorized as either "Adequate" or "Inadequate" based on the target HbA1c levels outlined in the guidelines for adult and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes by the Japan Diabetes Society. Patients who changed their medication regimens within the two months following the interview were excluded from the study. Results: The clinical characteristics of the 28 eligible patients were as follows: 67.9 ± 14.8 years old, 23 men (69%), body mass index (24.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2), and HbA1c levels 7.16 ± 1.11% at interview and two months later. Glycemic control status (GCS) was Adequate (A) to Inadequate (I): 1 case; I to A: 7 cases; A to A good: 14 cases; I to I: 6 cases (p-value = 0.02862 by Chi-square test). Multiple regression analyses showed that Q1 (Did RoBoHoN speak clearly?) and Q7 (Was RoBoHoN's response natural?) significantly contributed to GCS, indicating that the naturalness of the responses did not impair the robot-assisted interviews. The results suggest that to improve the system in the future, it is more beneficial to focus on the content of the conversation rather than pursuing superficial naturalness in the responses. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the efficacy of a robot-assisted diabetes management system that can contribute to improved glycemic control.

Monitoring Endocrine Nursing in South Asia (MENSA)

Background

South Asian countries face the colossal challenge of tackling the massive burden of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. These patients grossly outnumber the specialists trained to deal with these conditions. A trained cadre of diabetes specialist nurses (DSN) and endocrine specialist nurses (ESN) might help bridge this gap. Exploring the perception of DSN/ESN among South Asian doctors will help to understand their role, responsibilities and future prospects.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-four endocrinologists from South Asia participated in an online survey on their perception of DSNs and ESNs.

Results

Out of the 174 respondents, 61 (35%) were currently working with DSN/ESN, 79 (45.4%) had worked in the past and 131 (75.2%) were willing to start recruiting or employ additional DSN/ESN in the future. The majority considered that the primary function of DSN and ESN is to educate on diabetes (n = 86, 96.6%) and endocrine disorders (n = 34, 57.6%), respectively, followed by anthropometry and initial work-up. Only a small minority felt they could write independent follow-up prescriptions (nurse-led clinics) [DSN - 16 (18%) and ESN - 3 (5.1%)]. Graduation with a certificate course in diabetes and basic endocrinology was considered a sufficient qualification by 68 (39.1%) respondents. Endocrinologists from countries other than India were more willing to recruit ESN/DSN in the future (89.7% vs 72.4%; P < 0.03) and approve a nurse-led clinic (62.1% vs 29.7%; P < 0.03). Upon multiple logistic regression, working in countries other than India was an independent predictor of future willingness to work with DSN/ESN (odds ratio (OR): 4.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-18.43, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

DSN and ESN could facilitate the management of healthcare-seekers with diabetes and endocrine disorders. A certification course to train nurses on diabetes and basic endocrine disorders following graduation could be helpful. Major hindrances in creating a regular cadre of DSN/ESN were limited opportunities for career progression and lack of additional remuneration for services.

Effects of an integrated mindfulness intervention for veterans with diabetes distress: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

US military veterans have disproportionately high rates of diabetes and diabetes-related morbidity in addition to being at risk of comorbid stress-related conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of a technology-supported mindfulness intervention integrated into usual diabetes care and education on psychological and biobehavioral outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Veterans (N=132) with type 1 or 2 diabetes participated in this two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial. The intervention arm received a one-session mindfulness intervention integrated into a pre-existing program of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) plus one booster session and 24 weeks of home practice supported by a mobile application. The control arm received one 3-hour comprehensive DSMES group session. The primary outcome was change in diabetes distress (DD). The secondary outcomes were diabetes self-care behaviors, diabetes self-efficacy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, mindfulness, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), body weight, and blood pressure. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Participant satisfaction and engagement in home practice were assessed in the intervention group at 12 and 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat group by time analyses showed a statistically significant improvement in DD in both arms without significant intervention effect from baseline to 24 weeks. Examination of distal effects on DD between weeks 12 and 24 showed significantly greater improvement in the intervention arm. Improvement in DD was greater when baseline HbA1C was <8.5%. A significant intervention effect was also shown for general dietary behaviors. The secondary outcomes diabetes self-efficacy, PTSD, depression, and HbA1C significantly improved in both arms without significant intervention effects. Mindfulness and body weight were unchanged in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

A technology-supported mindfulness intervention integrated with DSMES showed stronger distal effects on DD compared with DSMES control. Examination of longer-term outcomes, underlying mechanisms, and the feasibility of virtual delivery is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02928952.