Videoconference based training on diabetes technology for school nurses and staff: Pilot study.

PURPOSE: Children with diabetes spend a significant portion of time at school and in school-related activities and rely on school nurses for diabetes management support. Diabetes technologies are rapidly evolving, and there are no standardized competencies or training programs for school personnel providing diabetes care. DESIGN AND METHODS: A virtual diabetes education program was provided to school nurses and staff in 3 Florida school districts. Program feasibility was measured by attendance; acceptability was measured with a usability survey; and efficacy was measured by participants' improvements in scores on pre- and post-training knowledge assessments. Descriptive statistics were generated and improvements in knowledge were evaluated via t-test. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Pilot survey data (n = 91) revealed high demand for diabetes technology and basic management education among school nurses and staff. Eighty-eight school personnel from 64 schools attended the training, with 67 participants completing the demographic survey and at least one of the pre- and post-training assessments. Post-test scores demonstrated mean + 10.6% absolute improvement on the diabetes technology subscale, +11.5% on the basic management subscale, and + 10.9% on the ketone management subscale, all p < 0.001. Fifty-three participants completed the usability survey with 92% reporting they benefitted from training. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual training is feasible and acceptable for delivering diabetes technology education to large numbers of school personnel. Study results demonstrate improved diabetes knowledge. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Establishing a standardized training program on diabetes technology for school personnel can optimize diabetes care in the school setting.

Circulating ketone bodies and mortality in heart failure: a community cohort study.

Background: The relationship between ketone bodies (KB) and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) syndrome has not been well established. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the distribution of KB in HF, identify clinical correlates, and examine the associations between plasma KB and all-cause mortality in a population-based HF cohort. Methods: The plasma KB levels were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between clinical correlates and KB levels. Proportional hazard regression was employed to examine associations between KB (represented as both continuous and categorical variables) and mortality, with adjustment for several clinical covariates. Results: Among the 1,382 HF patients with KB measurements, the median (IQR) age was 78 (68, 84) and 52% were men. The median (IQR) KB was found to be 180 (134, 308) µM. Higher KB levels were associated with advanced HF (NYHA class III-IV) and higher NT-proBNP levels (both P < 0.001). The median follow-up was 13.9 years, and the 5-year mortality rate was 51.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.1%-54.4%]. The risk of death increased when KB levels were higher (HRhigh vs. low group 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05-1.44), independently of a validated clinical risk score. The association between higher KB and mortality differed by ejection fraction (EF) and was noticeably stronger among patients with preserved EF. Conclusions: Most patients with HF exhibited KB levels that were consistent with those found in healthy adults. Elevated levels of KB were observed in patients with advanced HF. Higher KB levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of death, particularly in patients with preserved EF.