Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) attendance among veterans who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and clinical outcomes as measured by A1C and blood pressure. Methods This retrospective chart review collected data from veterans with T2DM who participated in the Diabetes Self-Management Support (DSMS) HTK program at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (LSCVAMC) between February 2013 and May 2016. Data collected included demographic information, frequency of DSMS HTK attendance, 3 A1C values, and 3 blood pressure values. Each subject was assigned to 1 of 4 quartiles based on frequency of DSMS HTK attendance. Results A1C values of all groups improved over time, regardless of DSMS HTK attendance quartile. However, as total DSMS HTK class attendance increased, there was a significant decrease in the A1C difference score. Conclusions Participation in a DSMS program that focuses on healthy, economical cooking skills may lead to a significant improvement in A1C regardless of frequency of attendance. However, individuals with more frequent attendance may experience additional improvement in glycemic control.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) among veterans with diabetes using the Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) by means of telehealth communication. Methods A retrospective chart review collected data from veterans with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) that participated in the DSMES-HTK program at 2 Veterans Affairs Northeast Ohio Healthcare System facilities between February 2013 and December 2018. A factorial design was used to compare A1C data and use of clinical video telehealth from main hub to satellite site. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 25). Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) were performed to compare mean A1C in veterans that attended HTK at the main site versus a telehealth site. RMANOVA was also used to compare mean A1C in veterans that attended at least 1 hands-on class versus those that attended at least 1 demonstration class. Results A1C values of all groups improved over time and were sustained regardless of DSMES-HTK delivery method or location. Conclusions Sustained improvement in A1C was observed in patients that participated in both DSMES-HTK in person and via clinical video telehealth classes conducted by hub site facilitator with RDN, CDCES credential. The use of a clinical video telehealth strategy for DSMES-HTK capitalizes on limited, highly skilled, credentialed instructional team members.