Digital care model improves diabetes life expectancy, paving way for new partnership in clinical trials

Medical & Science: A new collaboration in diabetes research has been unveiled, promising enhanced outcomes for individuals living with diabetes. Diabetes Australia and the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovation (ACADI) have united to introduce the Australian Diabetes Clinical Trials Network (ADCTN).

Highlighting the significance of clinical trials, Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain stated “People living with diabetes are at the heart of everything we do.

“Our new network will increase the number of diabetes clinical trials being funded and conducted in Australia. This will make a huge difference in the lives of people living with diabetes because it means new and innovative treatments and interventions can be tested and hopefully become available.”

Among the pioneering trials is Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Rethinking Models of Outpatient Diabetes Care Using eHealth (REMODeL), led by endocrinologist Dr Anish Menon and supported by ACADI funding.

“Imagine a world where managing diabetes is made easier by checking your phone,” Dr Menon said.

“That’s the future REMODeL is creating. This innovative nurse-led model of care using digital tools is empowering people with type 2 diabetes, letting them track their health stats and share that info with their nurses in real-time. No more waiting for appointments or worrying about missed calls – it’s like having a diabetes expert in your pocket!”

Since REMODeL began in 2016, participants have achieved a 1% average reduction in HbA1c, leading to 21% fewer diabetes-related deaths, 14% fewer heart attacks, and a 37% drop in microvascular complications.

The trial also reduces the need for in-person clinic visits compared to traditional care models. The team has proven these benefits extend to regional areas and now plans to adapt the model for disadvantaged and CALD populations to broaden its impact.

Dr Lisa Hayes, Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Princess Alexandra Hospital, hailed REMODeL’s personalised approach as a milestone in diabetes care.

“We’re hoping that remote funding could be provided in the near future, which would mean that this will become routine care for people attending diabetes clinics,” Dr Hayes remarked.

“REMODeL findings have the potential to change the health and life expectancy for Australians with diabetes wherever they live. If more people living with type 2 diabetes had access to continuous glucose monitoring devices, we could make this even more efficient and effective.”

Professor Elif Ekinci, ACADI director and head of Medicine at Melbourne University, underscored the network’s pivotal support for diabetes researchers.

“Clinical trials are essential to inform new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diabetes,” Professor Ekinci stated.

“By advancing our understanding of how different treatments work and evaluating their impact, clinical trials play a crucial role in improving the care of people living with diabetes. Their results contribute to the development of more effective, safer healthcare options and help inform evidence-based practices in medicine.”

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