An Evaluation of the Diabetes Conversation Map Program—Health Outcomes and Health Care Utilization during a Four-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Conversation Map™ (Map™) is a global education program that engages patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in group-based discussions on diabetes-related topics. This study compares outcomes annually between participants and matched controls over a 4-year period. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 11,053 Clalit Health Services members with T2DM who enrolled in the Map™ program between 1.1.2010 and 4.1.2016. The associations between program participation and annual laboratory test results (HbA1c, glucose and LDL levels), health behaviors (frequency of glucose and HbA1c testing), and healthcare utilization (hospital, physician and specialist visits) were assessed between cases and controls using regression analysis. Results: The Map™ group had significantly improved HbA1c, glucose, and LDL levels and more frequent blood glucose testing each year up to 36 months post-enrollment compared to matched-controls. They also had significantly fewer annual primary care visits but more annual ophthalmologist and nutritionist visits up to 24, 36, and 48 months post-enrollment, respectively, compared to matched-controls. The annual frequency of hospital admissions and length of hospital stay was lower up to 36 and 48 months post enrollment, respectively, in the Map™ group compared to matched-controls. Conclusions: Participation in the Map™ program was associated with improved clinical outcomes, behaviors, and healthcare utilization for at least 24 months, suggesting that an intervention booster may be needed beyond this time period. These findings support the significant impact of the Map™ program on the lives of patients with T2DM. Disclosure E. Srulovici: None. M. Leventer-Roberts: None. B. Curtis: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. X. He: None. M.B. Hoshen: None. M. Rotem: None. I. Gofer: None. E. Shadmi: None. C. Key: None. N. Levin-Iaina: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. A. Strizek: None. B.S. Feldman: None.