Community-Clinical Intervention for Diabetes

This trial tests a new approach to help people with diabetes in rural Kentucky manage their health more effectively. It combines healthcare support with community resources to address both medical and social needs, such as finding local services and support groups. Participants will either receive usual care or join a group that receives additional help from community health workers and technology tools as part of the Community-Clinical Intervention. This trial suits individuals diagnosed with diabetes who are patients at specific clinics in Kentucky. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for patients to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions tailored to their community.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

A previous study demonstrated good results for the community-clinical program in everyday settings. Research shows that this method can save money and improve health for people with diabetes. Other studies have found that using community health workers and technology to connect patients with resources helps manage diabetes more effectively. Reports have not indicated any serious side effects from this type of program, suggesting it is safe for participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about this trial because it tackles diabetes management by addressing unmet social needs, which isn't a focus in standard care. Unlike typical treatments that concentrate on medication and lifestyle changes, this approach integrates patient navigation with the help of Community Health Workers and leverages health information technology to connect patients with local resources. This community-clinical intervention aims to improve health outcomes by linking clinical care with community support, potentially offering a more comprehensive solution for managing diabetes, especially in underserved rural areas.

Research has shown that collaborating with community groups and clinics can manage diabetes more effectively. In this trial, one group of participants will receive a Community-Clinical Intervention, which includes support from community health workers (CHWs). Patients with CHW support tend to have better control of their A1C levels, a measure of blood sugar over time. Another study found that peer support in the community improved blood sugar levels, body weight, and mood. Additionally, mobile health tools provided by healthcare professionals helped control blood sugar more effectively. These findings suggest that integrating community resources with clinical care can lead to better diabetes outcomes.³⁶⁷⁸⁹