ABSTRACT
Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive virtual carbohydrate counting course on glycaemic indicators in people with type 1 diabetes. Methods: An observational study of glycaemic management following a virtual carbohydrate counting course, comprising of a weekly two hour session over three weeks on Microsoft Teams. Key metrics monitored from flash glucose monitoring (FGM) at baseline, three and six months: time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR) estimated glycated haemoglobin (eHbA1c) and glucose variability (GV). A paired two sample for means T-test was used to determine statistical significance. Results: 26 participants completed the course (14 male, 12 female). Baseline and three month data was available for 17 participants (11 male, 6 female). Six month data was available for 14 participants, (9 male, 5 female). Significant improvements were observed at six months for GV (p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed at three months. Conclusions: One metric (GV) showed significant improvement at six months. The lack of significant improvements in other parameters and at three months could be related to many factors. There is a paucity of research on virtual carbohydrate counting courses for comparison purposes. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends offering structured education to all people with type 1 diabetes. The option of a virtual course has allowed for continuation of education during the covid-19 pandemic, which otherwise would have been absent. Further research is required to inform clinical practice and service development and provide further insight into lack of improvement in some parameters.