Glucose help at the end of the line: Telephone support in the diabetes foot MDT clinic

Published Date: 01st April 2024

Publication Authors: Cairns. J, Lewis. G

Conference Abstract

Introduction: National guidance recommends optimal glycaemic control in patients with diabetes and foot ulcers. Glycaemic management is a major part of our clinical management within our diabetes MDT foot clinics; however, there is scope for intensive support for some patients in-between their monthly appointments.
Aim(s): The aims of the study were to improvement patient glycaemic management within the foot clinic and to assess this improvement in HbA1c and frequency of hypoglycaemia over a number of years.
Result(s): A diabetes specialist nurse led telephone clinic was established. Inclusion criteria included patients in foot clinic, on insulin, with high HbA1c needing titration support or suffering problematic hypoglycaemia. 60 patients audited in 2020 and 2022. A written information leaflet was provided in 2022 which did not exist in 2020 as part of service improvement. Both audits demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c. in 2020 baseline HbA1c improved from 86 (+/-22.5) to 76 (+/-21) and in 2022 82 (+/-15.9) to 76 (+/-18.2). There was also a non-significant reduction in problematic hypoglycaemia from 1% to 0% on both occasions. Average number of calls per patient were three in 2020 and two in 2022. In 2022 54% of patients were presented with an information. There was a non-significant difference in the improvement in HbA1c in those who received the leaflet (83 (+/-16.4) to 77 (+/-18.2) compared to 82 (+/-15.7) to 75 (+/-18.6)).
Conclusion(s): There is significant sustained improvement in HbA1c through the inclusion of a telephone support service; however, further interventions could be considered to see how we can continue to improve outcomes.

Cairns, J.; Sullivan, H.; Furlong, N.; Pendlebury, H.; Lewis, G. (2024). Glucose help at the end of the line: Telephone support in the diabetes foot MDT clinic. Diabetic Medicine. 41(Supp. 1), p... [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dme.15296 [Accessed 19 December 2025].