The Impact of Telenutrition vs. In-Person Nutrition Consultations on Glycemic Control in People with Type 1 Diabetes-Data from Saudi Arabia

Background: Telehealth has the potential to improve accessibility to nutrition clinics, particularly in parts of the world where the number of certified nutritionists is limited. Here, we evaluate the impact of utilizing telehealth for nutrition consultations on glycemic control and patients satisfaction when managing people with type 1 diabetes (PwT1D). Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 137 PwT1D referred to the nutrition clinic at King Saud University to learn carb counting (2021-2022). Participants were divided into 2 groups: 1) Telenutrition group (those who had 4 virtual & 2-3 in-person visits) (n=107) and 2) In-person group (those who had 6-7 in-person & no virtual visits) (n=30). Changes in hemoglobin A1C and CGM metrics from baseline to month 3 (i.e. end of the study (EOS)) were compared between the groups. At the EOS, participants were asked to fill out a satisfaction survey. Results: The reduction in A1c from baseline to EOS was comparable in both groups (1.2% and 1.1%, in the Telenutrition and In-person groups, respectively, both p<0.01). Likewise, the glucose time in range (TIR) increased from 53.9% at baseline to 58.5% at the EOS (p<0.01) in the telenutrition group and from 49.1% at baseline to 54.7% at the EOS (p=0.13) in the in-person group. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in the prandial insulin doses from baseline to EOS by 32% in the telenutrition group and 28% in the in-person group (both p<0.01). Majority (98%) of those who attended the telenutrition clinic reported satisfaction with the quality of healthcare provided and 97% reported that their experience with the telenutrition clinic was as satisfying or more satisfying than that in the in-person clinic. Conclusion: Telenutrition clinic is as effective in improving glycemic control in people with T1D as the traditional “in-person” nutrition clinics, and its utilization may improve patients' satisfaction and accessibility to certified nutritionists Disclosure M.Al-sofiani: Consultant; Eli Lilly and Company, Speaker's Bureau; Sanofi, Medtronic, Vitalair. S.Almuammar: None.