Hypoglycemia Prevention in High-Risk Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Summary

Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a serious problem for people with diabetes. It can lead to dangerous falls, heart problems, memory issues, and even death. However, many healthcare providers don't recognize or manage this problem well. The investigators believe that creating a clear set of guidelines for preventing hypoglycemia, along with having a clinical pharmacist actively help high-risk patients, can make diabetes treatment safer.

In this study, the investigators developed a simple, evidence-based guide called "Hypoglycemia on a Page" (HOAP) to prevent low blood sugars. The investigators then tested it by comparing two groups of patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for hypoglycemia. One group received active support from a clinical pharmacist using the HOAP guidelines, while the other group received standard care.

The main goal of this study is to see if the pharmacist's support leads to safer diabetes treatment. The investigators will also look at other factors, such as whether patients are prescribed glucagon (a medicine for severe low blood sugar), if they use continuous glucose monitoring, and whether they have worse blood sugar control or end up in the hospital for hypoglycemia. This trial aims to improve patient safety, health outcomes, and possibly lower healthcare costs.

Conditions

• Diabetes

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Proactive population care (active application of HOAP principles in patients flagged as high risk for hypoglycemia)

The Hypoglycemia Champion (HC) pharmacist reviewed patient charts before conducting proactive outreach. They did not contact subjects with active psychiatric issues or those admitted to a skilled nursing facility. The patient's care team (PCP and APM) were also contacted for peer consent. The outreach process involved an initial phone call with a secure electronic message or mailed letter (for those without secure KPNC patient portal access) if the initial call was unsuccessful. A second and third phone call attempt was made for non-responders.

BEHAVIORAL

Usual care, after system-side dissemination of HOAP

Patients had their diabetes treated as usual by their diabetes care provider or primary care physician, after system-wide dissemination of HOAP.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kaiser Permanente

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Lisa K Gilliam, MD, PhD · The Permanente Medical Group

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-07-20

Primary Completion

2024-07-22

Completion

2024-12-20

Countries

• United States

Study Locations