33-LB: Using Telehealth to Deliver Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) In Rural Communities

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020 emphasized that diabetes is an overwhelming national problem and especially prevalent in rural areas. Of the 12.3 million Californians with diabetes or prediabetes, only 1.23 million have been diagnosed, and 45% of those haven’t received diabetes education. Rural Californians have lower per capita income compared to urban Californians, equating to higher poverty rates (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2021) , and they often face social service inaccessibility. Studies show that populations with low income have higher rates of unhealthy behaviors and are more likely to develop diabetes (Hsu et. al, 2012) . Revamping standardized diabetes prevention and education via a telehealth model to reach those in rural California has shown significant results. My Diabetes Tutor (MDT) , as part of a DSMES telehealth program, has provided a convenient and effective way to access diabetes education (DE) in rural areas and beyond. MDT delivers education for diabetes, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity in several languages from Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. People have direct access to DE from home or a kiosk at their provider/health plan offices. Topics range from diabetes basics, nutrition, medication comprehension, emotional well-being, and reducing the risk of possible complications to understanding the use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring. People using MDT have shown an average A1C reduction of 1.2%, LDL decrease of 9.4 points, and improvements in blood pressure, weight, and self-care behaviors. The technology to deliver MDT DSMES was developed in collaboration with CharmHealth. MDT satisfies a great need to make DE accessible in rural California, which sets the stage for MDT’s planned national expansion, and to replicate this model to increase access to DE for people hospitalized with diabetes via virtual inpatient DE services. Disclosure P. Sahasranam: None. F. Gavini: None. S. Sodhi: None. T. Garnero: None. J. Thompson: Employee; Vida Health. Other Relationship; DayTwo Inc. C. M. Salinas: None. S. S. Baxter: None.