Nearly 25% of veterans have diabetes and 78% are considered overweight or obese. At the Milwaukee VA, a virtual multidisciplinary diabetes optimization program (VDOP) is available to veterans referred to endocrine specialty care. Patients above 18 years-old and with A1c ≥ 8% are offered participation in VDOP, and those who decline, proceed with standard endocrine appointments. VDOP patients are seen by a combination of a pharmacist, dietitian, and occupational therapist in staggered weekly visits under the supervision of a physician diabetologist for 3-6 months. To assess the effectiveness of VDOP, glycemic control, weight, and insulin requirements of 39 program graduates were compared to the 62 veterans that met criteria but declined to join in the same time period. Table 1 shows no significant differences in demographic data between the two groups. VDOP participants had an average of 21 visits versus 6 visits for the comparison group. VDOP participants showed a significant greater decrease in A1c, weight, and total daily insulin dose for measurements taken closest to 6-month mark. Based on these results and when compared to conventional endocrine care, VDOP more effectively helped veterans improve glycemic control, while promoting weight loss and decreased insulin doses. As the program expands, next steps are to examine cost utilization, quality of life, and impact in other clinical outcomes.
T. Adel: None. K. Sherman: None. J.M. Hansen: None. J. Taxman: None. M.E. Reetz-Norton: None. C. Johnson: None. J. Whittle: Research Support; AstraZeneca. C.E. Mendez: Consultant; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.
