Enrollment in Long Term Programs (LTP) reduced HbA1c in diabetic patients significantly: Study

Study conducted by Apollo Sugar Clinics was recently published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal

20.07.2022: A recent study conducted by Apollo Sugar Clinics, a leading chain of single specialty diabetes and endocrine healthcare service provider in India found that Long Term Programs (LTPs) helped significantly reduce HbA1c in diabetic patients by 13.73%. The study was published in the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal by International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

The study conducted among 3,423 patients in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru over 3 years, witnessed 2,697 patients that were enrolled in LTPs while 726 were not. With the goal of achieving sustained control of HbA1c (average blood sugar levels for the last two to three months) in diabetic patients for a long period, the LTP was designed to ensure extensive interventions, active monitoring and successful patient engagement. The study found that patients who were enrolled in LTPs witnessed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels by 13.74% while those that weren’t enrolled only witnessed a 2.57% reduction. With a mean baseline HbA1c of enrolled patients at 8.88, patients witnessed a reduction in mean HbA1c to 7.66. For those that were not enrolled in any LTPs and with a mean baseline HbA1c at 7.37, patients witnessed a reduction in mean HbA1c to 7.17.

Comparatively, male patients enrolled in the LTPs witnessed a 14.89% reduction in HbA1c while female patients witnessed a 13.99% reduction. A significant reduction of 19.47% in HbA1c was witnessed amongst those in the age group above 50 years of both genders. Across cities the study was conducted in, enrolled patients in Hyderabad witnessed a 11.65% reduction in HbA1c while Bengaluru witnessed a 17.04% reduction and Chennai witnessed a 14.54% reduction.

Speaking on the findings of the study, Anand P Wasker , CEO Apollo Sugar Clinics said, “A recent survey conducted by ICMR-NCDIR revealed that 9.3% of adults in India were found to be diabetic. The survey also sighted that low awareness, treatment and control were some of the major challenges to reduce diabetes in India. Several measures need to be taken in order to bring diabetes under control and a holistic program needs to be in place in order to address this need.

Our study shows the effectiveness of Apollo Sugar Clinics’ LTPs and how it can be a model for improving care adherence and persistence even in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. In a post-pandemic world, our LTPs will play a significant role in helping patients across the country control diabetes and live a healthy and happy life.”

The LTPs at Apollo Sugar Clinics also includes doctor consultations, personalized diet counselling via health coaches, lifestyle support through 24/7 assistance by doctors, an integrated sugar app, glucometer and vigilance with regards to clinic visits. As a flagship program, it was scientifically developed to help patients reduce and achieve sustained HBA1c levels over a longer period. It is one of India’s most comprehensive and customized long-term programs for diabetes management.