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Piloting a Postdischarge Virtual Glucose Monitoring Program for Patients With Diabetic Foot Wound in a Safety-Net
Felona Gunawan1,2, Blessing Johnny1, Binsy Easow2
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Virtual glucose monitoring (VGM) improved outcomes for high-risk diabetic foot wound patients in a safety-net setting. This technology increased access and led to better wound healing and glycemic control.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Diabetes Management
- Health Technology
Background:
- Diabetic foot wounds disproportionately impact ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic status individuals.
- These populations often face significant barriers to accessing essential diabetes technology.
- A pilot virtual glucose monitoring (VGM) program was implemented in a safety-net health system to address these disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of short-term virtual glucose monitoring (VGM) to improve clinical outcomes in high-risk patients with diabetic foot wounds.
- To assess the impact of VGM on glycemic control and wound healing rates.
- To determine if VGM can increase access to diabetes technology for underserved populations.
Main Methods:
- A 3-month postdischarge VGM program was implemented for 40 hospitalized patients with diabetic foot wounds.
- The program included remote glucose monitoring and two clinic visits.
- Outcomes were compared to a retrospective cohort of 78 similar patients who did not receive VGM.
Main Results:
- The VGM cohort showed a significant reduction in HgbA1c levels at 3-6 months compared to the preintervention cohort (7.6% vs 8.5%, P < .01).
- Wound healing occurred more frequently in the VGM group, with 68% achieving closure by 3-4 months versus 47% in the control group (P = .04).
- The VGM program facilitated more timely medication adjustments and addressed social barriers to care.
Conclusions:
- Short-term postdischarge VGM shows potential to increase access to diabetes technology and improve clinical outcomes for diabetic foot wound patients in safety-net settings.
- VGM may offer a scalable strategy to reduce complication rates and healthcare costs within these systems.
- This approach can meaningfully improve care for vulnerable populations managing diabetes and foot wounds.
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