Improving Diabetes Equity and Advancing Care Study (IDEA)

The goal of this randomized trial is to determine the optimal combination and sequence of three enhancements for a team-based care model for patients living with diabetes in Chicago. The study aim is to determine optimization of intervention components. Participants will be randomly assigned to diabetes self-management training or remote glucose monitoring. After 6 months, participants will be rerandomized to a subsequent study arm (including a CHW support program) depending on a tailoring variable of change in A1c. Researchers will compare the final 6 study arms to see which combination and sequence of enhancements produces the most improvement in A1c.

Sinai Health System is Illinois' largest private safety-net healthcare system, serving predominantly low-income communities of color with large Medicaid-eligible populations in Chicago. In response to high diabetes rates and community calls for coordinated, multidisciplinary diabetes care, Sinai designed the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology (the Center) which launched in 2020. The Center uses a comprehensive model with streamlined services to address the full spectrum of patient medical and non-medical needs. This study seeks to determine the appropriateness and fidelity of three intervention components of a team-based care model for patients served by the Center to define the ideal sequence for improving patient outcomes. Grounded in qualitative methodology and guided by a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART), we propose evaluating the appropriateness of novel intervention components (Aim 1); measuring fidelity of new intervention components (Aim 2); comparing the effectiveness and determine optimization of intervention components (Aim 3). We will evaluate Aim 1 via key stakeholder interviews and focus groups. We will analyze Aims 2 & 3 by conducting descriptive statistics on all variables, giving special attention to outlier values. We will also run bivariate and multivariate analyses across variables of interest and time points to determine the optimal sequence of intervention activities.

Participant will be randomized into the RGM study arm for the first 6 months. At the 6-month rerandomization point, if the patient is a responder (A1c improved by at least 1 percentage point), patient will remain in the RGM group.

Participant will be randomized into the RGM study arm for the first 6 months. At the 6-month rerandomization point, if the patient is a non-responder (A1c has not improved by at least 1 percentage point), patient will be randomized again with one arm being a continuation of RGM, with the addition of a CHW to provide tailored support.

Participant will be randomized into the RGM study arm for the first 6 months. At the 6-month rerandomization point, if the patient is a non-responder (A1c has not improved by at least 1 percentage point), patient will be randomized again with one arm being diabetes self-management training (DSMT).

Participant will be randomized into the DSMT study arm for the first 6 months. At the 6-month rerandomization point, if the patient is a responder (A1c improved by at least 1 percentage point), patient will be directed back to standard of care.

Participant will be randomized into the DSMT study arm for the first 6 months. At the 6-month rerandomization point, if the patient is a non-responder (A1c has not improved by at least 1 percentage point), patient will be randomized again with one arm being a CHW to provide tailored support.

Participant will be randomized into the DSMT study arm for the first 6 months. At the 6-month rerandomization point, if the patient is a non-responder (A1c has not improved by at least 1 percentage point), patient will be randomized again with one arm being RGM.

The American Diabetes Association endorses the use of small-group diabetes self-management training (DSMT), for people living with diabetes to improve lifestyle, HbA1c levels, and overall quality of life. A certified diabetes care and education specialist will teach a four-part series of one-hour sessions providing culturally competent group education and discussion for groups of 5-8 patients: Session 1 - Living with diabetes - physiology of diabetes, integrating diabetes into your daily life, long term outcomes of diabetes; Session 2 - Culturally competent food education & portion control; Session 3 - Tips & Tricks for dining out and special occasions; Session 4 - Advanced tools and psychosocial implications of living with diabetes. While patients will be encouraged to move through the series together as a cohort, there will be make-up sessions and flexibility to ensure high-quality participation.

Remote Glucose Monitoring (RGM) is an automated process of transmitting glucose levels directly from a personal smartphone device to a healthcare provider using a remote data transmitter. Since 2020, Sinai has worked with Glooko Inc. to provide the RGM platform and technical assistance to patients and for Sinai providers to access data remotely. Via the app, patients can: document their glucose levels; sync data from a meter, insulin pump, pen or continuous glucose monitoring device; track their weight; log food and meals; access educational resources; track steps; and track blood pressure. Remotely uploading data provides patients with a direct line to their provider for regular feedback on progress and answers to questions between clinic visits. Patients also receive one one-hour education session on RGM and the Glooko application.

CHWs are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. The Center has two bilingual (Spanish/English) CHWs; additional bilingual CHWs will be added to the team to support the proposed study. While approaches will differ slightly depending on the patient and study condition, all patients paired with a CHW will be screened for social needs utilizing a standard social determinants of health (SDoH) screening tool, receive referrals to resources to address unmet social/health needs, and aided in navigating health and social systems.

Change in A1c from baseline to the 12-month study end point measured at the patient level. Measure will be collected every 6 months, at a minimum. The 6-month A1c will be used to determine their study condition at the rerandomization poiont.

Active usage will be defined as at least one upload of data within a 30-day period and at least 16 blood glucose entries within a 30-day period.

Data will be exported from the Glooko application monthly for the full 18 months of the trial period.

Adherence to CHW engagement will include completing the initial education session with a CHW, competing a SDoH screener and at least three phone or in-person touchpoints over the 6-month intervention period.

Inclusion Criteria: A diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes 18+ years of age Able to provide consent Identify as African American/Black or Latinx most recent HbA1c > 7%, Have a smartphone compatible with the Glooko application Have completed at least one Center appointment (i.e. current patient) Completed at least 3 months of their assigned study condition Exclusion Criteria: Already an active user of RGM Actively working with a CHW Diagnosis of gestational diabetes (without type 1 or type 2) Has a Power of Attorney Be suffering from Stage-V renal disease or undergoing dialysis. Be suffering from a severe form of cardiovascular disease (NYHA Class III and IV)