ABSTRACT
Introduction: Carbohydrate counting (CC)-a meal planning tool is an integral part of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. CC have been evidenced to have positive effects on glycemic control. Objectives: We investigated and analyzed the effect of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) assisted, technology enabled education program in empowering T1D to meticulously use carb counting. Methods: T1D (n=50;age: 5-35 years;HbA1c>8 % at baseline;55% females) during their initial visit to the center were invited to participate in a MDT assisted technology enabled program. Group I (G1) received continuous assistance from a MDT along with trimonthly education and the use of technologies (n=25) and Group II (G2) opted for performing CC on their own based on the trimonthly education and used technologies at their convenience. Both the groups were trained on CC trimonthly and virtually during the Covid pandemic. Individual WhatsApp group was created for G1 comprising of the patient/caretaker and the MDT, for reporting their BG values, and sharing photos of their meals so that MDT can assist them continuously. Patients were encouraged to use a connected glucometer to monitor the BG values to improve MDT engagement. 66% of the patients were on MDI and 34% were on CSII. 8% of the participants belong to the 5-9 age group and rest of them were 10-35 years of age. Results: A significant improvement in HbA1c (Baseline 9.53 ± 1.65 to 7.50 ± 0.68) was observed in G1 Compared to G2. CC in Indian foods is challenging given the hidden carbs in the traditional meals. The greater ability to count carbs accurately led to better A1c reduction. Conclusions: Counting carbohydrates with the help of a MDT assisted technology enabled education program was found to be of significant benefit in the management of T1D.