Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare (Sep 2022)

Digital algorithm-guided insulin therapy in home healthcare for elderly persons with type 2 diabetes: A proof-of-concept study

  • Julia Kopanz,
  • Julia K. Mader,
  • Klaus Donsa,
  • Angela Libiseller,
  • Felix Aberer,
  • Marlene Pandis,
  • Johanna Reinisch-Gratzer,
  • Gisela C. Ambrosch,
  • Bettina Lackner,
  • Thomas Truskaller,
  • Frank Michael Sinner,
  • Frank Michael Sinner,
  • Thomas R. Pieber,
  • Thomas R. Pieber,
  • Katharina M. Lichtenegger,
  • Katharina M. Lichtenegger

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcdhc.2022.986672
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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GlucoTab@MobileCare, a digital workflow and decision support system with integrated basal and basal-plus insulin algorithm was investigated for user acceptance, safety and efficacy in persons with type 2 diabetes receiving home health care by nurses. During a three months study nine participants (five female, age 77 ± 10 years, HbA1c 60 ± 13 mmol/mol (study start) vs. 57 ± 12 mmol/mol (study end) received basal or basal-plus insulin therapy as suggested by the digital system. In total 95% of all suggested tasks (blood glucose (BG) measurements, insulin dose calculations, insulin injections) were performed according to the digital system. Mean morning BG was 171 ± 68 mg/dL in the first study month vs. 145 ± 35 mg/dL in the last study month, indicating a reduced glycemic variability of 33 mg/dL (standard deviation). No hypoglycemic episode < 54 mg/dL occurred. User’s adherence was high and the digital system supported a safe and effective treatment. Larger scale studies are needed to confirm findings under routine care.German Clinical Trials Register IDDRKS00015059

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