“Diabetes education pays off.  That’s because research shows people who have received diabetes education are more likely to: use primary care and preventive services; take medications as prescribed; control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels; (and) have lower health costs”, according to the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES).  In a review of the literature by Chrvala et al, a significant A1C reduction of 0.57 was seen with type 2 diabetes participants in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME).

During 2020, patients visited their primary care providers less because of Covid.  During this time, people may have also experienced lack of motivation and increased sickness themselves, which could have had a bearing on increased HgbA1c.

While telehealth was a good option, it also had limitations in that there are more distractions, possibly decreasing the quality of the visit.  Virtual visits also made it more difficult to gain rapport with the participants. 

Diabetes Team

Providers

Individual

Follow up with Primary Care

In person visits/classes

Behavioral goals created in class by the participant (increases accountability that can help enhance progress)

Further explanation and visual aids provided by educators about about HgbA1c 

Resume In person classes and visits, but will continue with hybrid option

Two way communication with provider needs to be encouraged.