Real world evidence on the management of patient with type 2 diabetes. Results from a blended CME experience

OBJECTIVES In Italy, approximately over 35% of people diagnosed with T2DM are aged between 65-75, while 26% of the patients is between 75 and 85 years old. Elderly diabetes management represents a challenge for doctors, because of the co-existence of multiple comorbidities and a frailty state which increase the risks and consequences of hypoglycaemia. Many drugs with different cardio-renal mechanism of action and safety profile are available to treat diabetes which requires continuously complex decision making. The educational project “Real world evidence nella gestione del paziente con T2DM” has been designed to understand the management approach for patients with T2DM and to allow the evaluation of different therapeutic strategies. METHODS The educational project was divided in three modules: the first and the last trought webinar; the second held in daily practice – the participants have to register structured observation. The project has been joined by 55 discussants and 7 tutors. The 2,201 observations collected allowed the understanding of epidemiological aspects, which included information relating to monitoring of blood chemistry parameters and of therapeutic approaches. RESULTS The therapeutic approach has been confirmed in 28% of the observations; 72% of the observations have shown treatment change because of metabolic syndrome or because of a number of hypoglycaemia episodes. CONCLUSIONS The educational project proved to be an effective instrument to improve the management of patients diagnosed with T2DM in real life. KEY WORDS type II diabetes mellitus; DPP4 inhibitor; elderly patient; metabolic compensation; renal impairment.