8378 Disparities In Telemedicine Use In Latinx Patients With Diabetes: Real Life Observations

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: S. Kim: Consulting Fee; Self; Signos, Inc.. Grant Recipient; Self; The Diabetes Link. P. Thedki: None. L.A. Wright: None. Background and Aims The Latinx population is disproportionately affected by diabetes and related complications and face greater challenges to accessing medical care than white patients. Telemedicine, a novel strategy for addressing such lack of access has not been evaluated in the Latinx population affected by diabetes.We aimed to assess telemedicine use in Latinx patients with diabetes compared to non-Latinx, within the same diabetes clinic (same care team and access to same digital platform). Secondary aims: HbA1c and use of CGM. Methods: All patients were offered telemedicine services and were considered users if they completed =/>1 telemedicine visit during the 3-month study period. Demographics, race/ethnicity, telemedicine use, language, type of diabetes: type 1(T1D), type 2(T2D) or other; HbA1c(+/- 3 months from visit) and use of CGM at the time of visit were extracted. Results: Latinx patients: n=61, 42 Spanish speaking only; mean age 52.4; 32 female; 46 with T2D. Non-Latinx: n=81, mean age 53.2; 43 female; 43 had T1D. Telemedicine use was 22% in Latinx vs 39% in non-Latinx patients, p=0.007. Mean A1c was 7.4% in Latinx vs 7.1% in non-Latinx, p=0.04 CGM use was more common in non-Latinx patients, p=0.01. Conclusions T2D was more common and telemedicine use was lower in Latinx compared to non-Latinx patients, most were Spanish speaking only, they had higher HbA1c and less CGM use. While telemedicine has the potential to increase access to care, social determinants of health, such as digital literacy, access to device and/or reliable internet are likely barriers that contribute to health inequalities in this population. Presentation: 6/2/2024