Background: Initiation of injectable diabetes therapies for optimisation of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes during hospital admission may be associated with increased length of hospital stay.

Aim: To evaluate the health care cost, safety and patient satisfaction of a Transition Diabetes Team (TDT) comprising a Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE) and endocrinologist, for education of injectable diabetes therapies in the patient’s home compared to usual care.

Method: In a pilot randomised controlled study, patients randomised to the TDT group received diabetes education by the transition CDE within 48 hours following discharge, and were reviewed by an endocrinologist within 4 weeks and again at 16 weeks of discharge. Usual care consisted of diabetes education provided by a hospital CDE and follow up according to the treating team’s discretion. Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaires (DTSQ) were completed at baseline and at 4 months. Median difference in hospital length of stay observed between the two groups was used to compare the cost of standard care to the cost of RDNS for home based care delivery, as well as follow up care costs of both groups.

Results: Cost analysis revealed that the TDT service was cost effective compared to usual care. There was no significant difference in the glycaemic control related presentations to the hospital emergency department or readmission rates following discharge. The DTSQ revealed no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two groups.

Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that for inpatients with type 2 diabetes who require initiation of injectable diabetes therapies, a Transitions Diabetes Team may be a safe and cost effective alternative.