Development of a virtual glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue initiation service for people with type 2 diabetes within Forth Valley

ABSTRACT

Background: Prior to the covid-19 pandemic glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) education was delivered face-to- face by diabetes specialist nurses. This service is now predominately virtual, with diabetes dietitians hosting online groups to deliver education. Aim: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of GLP-1 therapy education delivered online compared to face-to- face education sessions. Methods: Data were collated from 53 patients prior to the restrictions imposed by the covid-19 pandemic (Group A) and 53 patients who were educated virtually (Group B). The demographics of the patient group including duration of diabetes, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), Hba1c on referral and Hba1c change after four months of GLP-1 therapy were compared. Results: Group A was 45% male, with a mean age of 57 years, 10% had type 2 diabetes for over 10 years and 88% had a BMI between 30-39 kg/m2. The range of HbA1c at referral was 62-121mmol/ mol and mean improvement in HbA1c after 4 months of GLP-1 therapy in Group A was 24.3 ± 15.3mmol/mol. Group B was 55% male, with a mean age of 56 years, 43% had type 2 diabetes for over 10 years and 51% had a BMI of over 40 kg/m2. The range of HbA1c at referral was between 61-117mmol/ mol and the mean improvement in HbA1c after 4 months of GLP-1 therapy in Group B was 23.8 ± 17.5mmol/mol. Conclusions: The launch of virtual education for patients starting on GLP-1 therapy has been successful and maintained significant improvements in HbA1c after 4 months of treatment.