For a study, researchers sought to see if the frequency of follow-up for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in National Metabolic Management Centers (MMCs) results in different clinical outcomes. Between June 2017 and April 2021, 19,908 T2DM patients with at least 6 months of facility-based follow-up were recruited in MMCs and divided into lower-frequency and higher-frequency follow-up (LFF and HFF) groups based on the median follow-up frequency of 2.0 (interquartile range 1.2) times per year. Metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and the most recent follow-up visit. Adjusting for the major covariables, multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between follow-up frequency and between-group percentage changes. Additional stratified analyses were carried out to assess the metabolic outcomes in the subgroups. At baseline, the LFF and HFF group participants had significantly different characteristics. Following the follow-up, participants’ metabolic parameters improved significantly. After adjustments, patients with HFF had a significantly greater decrease in percentage changes of fasting blood glucose (−4.95% ±37.96% vs. -2.21% ±43.08%, P<.0001) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (-12.14% ±19.78% vs. -9.67% ±20.29%, P<.0001). Furthermore, stratification analyses revealed that those with younger age (<55 years) and higher HbA1c (>9%) at baseline had significant between-group percentage changes in HbA1c (P for interaction<.001). HFF was linked to improved metabolic outcomes. Participants in the HFF group, particularly those with younger age or lower HbA1c at baseline, had better glycemic control than those in the LFF group.
Source:onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1753-0407.13271
