Type 2 diabetes is 2.5 times more prevalent in veterans compared to the general population. VDOP (Virtual Diabetes Optimization Program) set out to examine the effectiveness of a multifaceted, virtual intervention program aimed to improve diabetes control in high-risk veterans. Patients referred to VDOP had uncontrolled diabetes (A1c ≥ 8%, or on high insulin doses (≥ 1 unit/kg), or experiencing repeated hypoglycemia), and at least one of the following comorbidities: obesity, cardiac, kidney, liver disease, or sleep apnea. Once enrolled in the program, veterans had glucose monitors and activity trackers connected to a cloud platform, and met weekly with the dietician, occupational therapist, and clinical pharmacist in staggered visits. The VDOP care team conducted weekly huddles under the supervision of a physician diabetologist. Intended program duration is 12-24 weeks. To date, 11 veterans have completed participation with a mean duration of 16 weeks. Most participants were older males (10 male, mean 62 years old). Veterans completing the program showed on average significant improvement in glycemic control (-2.5% A1c), weight loss (-18.8 lbs. or -7.8%), and decreased total daily insulin doses (-72.8%). With ongoing recruitment, we plan to monitor sustainability of improved metrics, cost, and impact on quality of life of the VDOP program on high-risk veterans with uncontrolled diabetes.
T.Adel: None. J.M.Hansen: None. K.Reeser: None. J.Taxman: None. C.Johnson: None. J.Whittle: None. C.E.Mendez: Speaker's Bureau; Siemens.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Connective Care
