Utilizing Technology-Enabled Intervention to Improve Blood Glucose Self-Management Outcome in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Initiated on Insulin Therapy: A Retrospective Real-World Study

Abstract

Background. The aim of this study was to assess the benefits of a mobile-enabled app through Lilly Connected Care Program (LCCP) in achieving blood glucose control and adhering to self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. This retrospective study included T2DM patients who were initiated on insulin therapy (mostly premixed insulin) after failure to respond to oral antidiabetic drugs. Patients were provided with glucometers enabled with synchronous data transmission to healthcare providers and family members. The primary objective was to assess the benefits of LCCP based on changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial glucose (PPG) levels from baseline to 12 weeks. Paired t-test was used to assess the change in blood glucose (BG) from baseline to week 12. Results. In total, 14,085 T2DM patients were recruited. Compared with baseline, significant reductions in FBG and PPG were evident at week 12 (FBG: -0.39 mmol/L; PPG: −0.79 mmol/L; both $P<0.001$ ). Furthermore, at week 12, the proportion of patients attaining a target glucose level of FBG <7.0 mmol/L and PPG <10.0 mmol/L was 25.37% and 59.68%, respectively, with a statistically significant increase compared with that at baseline (6.74% and 45.59%, respectively, both $P<0.001$ ). The frequent monitoring of patients could gain a higher target achievement of FBG (28.1% vs 24.2%) and PPG (64.4% vs 55.1%) than the occasional monitoring patients. Additionally, the incidence of hypoglycemia gradually decreased and was significantly lower than the baseline level. Conclusions. In T2DM patients with poor glycemic control, the application of mobile enabled intervention (LCCP) along with insulin significantly reduced the hypoglycemia while improving glycemic control during period of naïve initiating insulin therapy. Additionally, the high frequency of BG self-monitoring was associated with better glycemic control.