Comparing people with type 2 diabetes who initiate insulin in the community to standard care (people initiating insulin in hospital) in hospital length of stay, HbA1c and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction.

Aims: To trial the functionality and effectiveness of Transition Diabetes Team (TDT), comprising: a credentialled diabetes educator (CDE) and diabetes specialist in commencing or changing insulin in the home versus in the hospital. Results: • 103 hospital inpatients commenced on newly-established injectable diabetes therapies were randomised to receive TDT (n=55), or standard care (n=48). • There was no difference in rates of hospital readmission or emergency department presentations between groups, with one presentation in each group. • There was a significant improvement in diabetes treatment satisfaction in the TDT group. • There was no difference in HbA1c or LOS between groups. What does this study add to what we know: • This study demonstrates that the use of the TDT is safe and acceptable to patients being discharged on injectable diabetes therapies. • Inpatients with T2DM who initiate injectable therapy while in hospital find absorbing diabetes education challenging, despite supportive ward staff. • TDT participants felt having education provided at home after discharge is convenient, more comfortable, and having time to learn. • Health providers felt an educator and endocrinologist working together was convenient, and the professional support positive.