Use of a Novel, Remotely Connected Diabetes Management System Is Associated with Increased Treatment Satisfaction, Reduced Diabetes Distress, and Improved Glycemic Control in Individuals with Insulin-Treated Diabetes: First Results from the Personal Diabetes Management Study

BACKGROUND The ability to automatically transfer data to clinicians and receive timely guidance in therapy adjustments through remote and in-office consults can positively impact patients' perceptions about quality of care, which is positively associated with clinical outcomes. We assessed the impact of using the Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management system on treatment satisfaction, diabetes distress, and glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This 6-month, prospective, multicenter, single-arm study assessed the impact of using the system on treatment satisfaction and glycemic control among 87 adults with insulin-treated diabetes (multiple daily insulin injections and basal only), with 8.8% ± 1.6% glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline. The Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire-status (DTSQs) and Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) were administered at baseline, and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire-change (DTSQc) and DDS at 6 months. Changes in HbA1c, average blood glucose (BG), and other metrics were also assessed. RESULTS Improvements in DTSQc scores were observed at 6 months with a total mean (standard deviation) score of 14.3 ± 5.1. Significant reductions in total mean DDS scores from baseline to 6 months were also observed, from 2.0 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.7, P < 0.0001. A significant reduction in regimen-related distress was notable, from "moderate distress" (2.4 ± 1.0) to "not distressed" (1.9 ± 0.9), P < 0.0001). Significant reductions in mean HbA1c (-0.9 ± 1.6, P < 0.0001) and mean BG (-24.8 ± 50.8, P < 0.0001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS Use of the Accu-Chek Connect diabetes management system is associated with increased treatment satisfaction and improved glycemic control among individuals with insulin-treated diabetes. NCT02600845 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).