Objective: Since the COVID-pandemic began, instead of in-office care alone, many institutions implemented hybrid care (in-office + telemedicine) . It is not known if hybrid care is as effective as in-office visits in regards to achieving glycemic goals.
Methods: Clinical characteristics of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) (age ≥40 years) were retrieved from electronic health records from two periods: in-office model before the pandemic (April 2019-March 2020) and hybrid-care model during the pandemic (September 20pril 2021) . Patients were stratified by age.
Results: Overall, 1,820 patients were evaluated, 66% younger (40-64 years: mean age 52±7yrs, 52% female, 53% CGM users, 56% pump users) and 34% older (≥65 years: mean age 72±5yrs, 55% female, 53% CGM users, 38% pump users) . A1c using hybrid-care improved in both younger (7.8±1.2 vs. 7.6±1.2%; p=0.005) and older adults (7.6±0.9 vs. 7.4±1%; p=0.02) , compared to in-office care. Within the hybrid-care model period, poor glycemic control was associated with a higher number of hybrid visits, and more in-office missed appointments, while pump use was associated with lower A1c.
Conclusion: Compared with in-office care, hybrid care was effective at maintaining glycemic control in both younger and older adults with T1D. Prospective studies are needed to understand the use of hybrid-care for the management of adults with T1D.
E.Toschi: Consultant; Medtronic. A.Adam: None. C.Slyne: None. L.M.Laffel: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, Roche Diabetes Care, Consultant; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Dexcom, Inc., Dompé, Insulet Corporation, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Provention Bio, Inc. M.Munshi: Consultant; Sanofi.
