TY - JOUR
AU - U. Mahfuza
AU - G. Meyerowitz-Katz
AU - R. A. Rasheed
AU - H. Dick
AU - G. Maberly
AU - R. Jayaballa
A1 - 
AB - BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the adoption of digital technologies in health care. This study assesses a digital-first integrated care model for type 2 diabetes management in Western Sydney, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and virtual Diabetes Case Conferences (DCC) involving the patient, general practitioner (GP), diabetes specialist, and diabetes educator at the same time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the innovative diabetes clinics in Western Sydney. METHODS: In 2020, a total of 833 new patients with type 2 diabetes were seen at Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) clinics. An early cohort of 103 patients was evaluated before and after participation in virtual DCC, incorporating CGM data analysis, digital educational resources, and remote consultations with a diabetes multidisciplinary team. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3-4 months post DCC. RESULTS: The integration of CGM and virtual consultations significantly improved glycemic control. Hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) levels decreased notably from 9.6% to 8.2% (average reduction of 1.4%; 95% CI 1.03-1.82; P<.001). Time in range (TIR) as measured by CGM increased substantially from 46% to 73% (95% CI 20-32; P<.001), and the glucose management indicator (GMI) improved from 7.9% to 7% (average reduction of 0.9%; 95% CI 0.55-1.2; P<.001). Despite no significant change in the total daily insulin dose, the proportion of patients on insulin therapy rose from 27% to 39% (P<.001), indicating more targeted and effective diabetes management. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a digitally enabled integrated care model in managing type 2 diabetes. The use of CGM technology, complemented by virtual DCCs and digital educational tools, not only facilitated better disease management and patient engagement but also empowered primary care providers with advanced management capabilities. This digital approach addresses traditional barriers in diabetes care, highlighting the potential for scalable, technology-driven solutions in chronic disease management.
AD - Western Sydney Diabetes, New South Wales, Australia.; Western Sydeny Diabetes, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
AN - 40934513
BT - JMIR Diabetes
C5 - HIT & Telehealth; Education & Workforce
DA - Sep 11
DO - 10.2196/64832
DP - NLM
ET - 20250911
JF - JMIR Diabetes
LA - eng
N2 - BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the adoption of digital technologies in health care. This study assesses a digital-first integrated care model for type 2 diabetes management in Western Sydney, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and virtual Diabetes Case Conferences (DCC) involving the patient, general practitioner (GP), diabetes specialist, and diabetes educator at the same time. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the innovative diabetes clinics in Western Sydney. METHODS: In 2020, a total of 833 new patients with type 2 diabetes were seen at Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) clinics. An early cohort of 103 patients was evaluated before and after participation in virtual DCC, incorporating CGM data analysis, digital educational resources, and remote consultations with a diabetes multidisciplinary team. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3-4 months post DCC. RESULTS: The integration of CGM and virtual consultations significantly improved glycemic control. Hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) levels decreased notably from 9.6% to 8.2% (average reduction of 1.4%; 95% CI 1.03-1.82; P<.001). Time in range (TIR) as measured by CGM increased substantially from 46% to 73% (95% CI 20-32; P<.001), and the glucose management indicator (GMI) improved from 7.9% to 7% (average reduction of 0.9%; 95% CI 0.55-1.2; P<.001). Despite no significant change in the total daily insulin dose, the proportion of patients on insulin therapy rose from 27% to 39% (P<.001), indicating more targeted and effective diabetes management. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a digitally enabled integrated care model in managing type 2 diabetes. The use of CGM technology, complemented by virtual DCCs and digital educational tools, not only facilitated better disease management and patient engagement but also empowered primary care providers with advanced management capabilities. This digital approach addresses traditional barriers in diabetes care, highlighting the potential for scalable, technology-driven solutions in chronic disease management.
PY - 2025
SN - 2371-4379
SP - e64832
ST - Digital Innovation and Integrated Care in People With Diabetes in Western Sydney: Retrospective Cohort Study
T1 - Digital Innovation and Integrated Care in People With Diabetes in Western Sydney: Retrospective Cohort Study
T2 - JMIR Diabetes
TI - Digital Innovation and Integrated Care in People With Diabetes in Western Sydney: Retrospective Cohort Study
U1 - HIT & Telehealth; Education & Workforce
U3 - 10.2196/64832
VL - 10
VO - 2371-4379
Y1 - 2025
ER -