Maisha J. Smith-Trau, DNP, FNP-BC

DNP: California State University, Fresno

Project Title: The Implementation of a GLP-1 Treatment Conversion Algorithm to Decrease Patient A1C Levels and Improve Glycemic Compliance

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A study conducted in 2015 revealed that Native American Populations had the highest rate of diabetes at 15.1%, compared to other racial groups (Pratte & et al., 2019). The Indian Health Services (IHS) has since implemented Diabetes Glucose Management in Type 2 Diabetes as their standard of care (IHS.gov, 2023). Primary care providers for the American Native population are encouraged to follow the diabetic management standard, which includes a diabetes management algorithm. The Indian Health Services (IHS) Diabetes Glucose Management Program was implemented at the Lassen Indian Health Clinic in June 2023. Implementing the IHS Glucose Management program ultimately standardized patient care for people with diabetes at Lassen Indian Health Center.

The Diabetic Management Algorithm requires providers to prescribe Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications to all type 2 diabetic patients receiving care at Lassen Indian Health Center and meet the criteria for taking a GLP-1. To determine the effectiveness of the Diabetic Management Algorithm, a retrospective chart review was conducted on patients prescribed a GLP-1 from June 2023 to February 2024, along with corresponding Hemoglobin A1C (HgA1C or A1C) levels three months after initiating the medications.

Dr. Kathleen Rindahl