Virtual diabetes management program for high-risk obese veterans

Abstract:

Obesity and diabetes disproportionally affect veterans, with estimated rates >41% and 22% respectively, increasing risks for complications and mortality. Moreover, social isolation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has affected physical and psychological well-being further, contributing to weight gain and worsened diabetes control. Building on the existing robust telehealth infrastructure of the Veterans Health Administration, we designed a multidisciplinary virtual weight and diabetes management pilot program that aimed to achieve significant weight loss (>7% body weight) and improve diabetes control (>1% A1C reduction) in high-risk veterans with diabetes and obesity.

Audience take away:

• Describe the design and structure of a multidisciplinary weight and diabetes virtual management program.
• Discuss the results of initial pilot, including changes in weight, glycemic control, and insulin requirements.
• Review the expansion of the program and preliminary results of the second phase called VDOP.

Biography:

Dr. Carlos Mendez is an associate professor of medicine specialized in diabetes management within the divisions of general internal medicine and endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin.  Dr. Mendez is originally from venezuela where he obtained his medical degree. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the John Stroger Hospital of cook county in Chicago, IL and his Fellowship in diabetes at the east carolina university in Greenville, North Carolina.  Dr. Mendez leads the Diabetes Program at the Zablocki VA Medical Center and is Co-chair of the VA National Diabetes Field Advisory Board. Dr. Mendez has been deeply involved in academic and research activities with multiple peer review publications and book chapters. Dr. Mendez has also lectured nationally and internationally on the management of diabetes.