Real-World Cardiovascular Outcomes with a Carbohydrate-Reduced Telemedicine Intervention

Authors:
Preprint
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Importance: Carbohydrate-reduced nutrition improves multiple metabolic risk factors, but its influence on long-term cardiovascular (CV) outcomes remains uncertain. Objective: To evaluate the impact of an individualized telemedicine nutrition therapy on the incidence of CV events. Design: Claims-based cohort study of adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity receiving telemedicine nutrition therapy versus a propensity score matched control group between January 1, 2016 and June 1, 2025, with a median follow-up of approximately two years. Setting: The intervention cohort, a US-based nationwide digital health clinic, received individualized telemedicine nutrition and clinical care. The matched control cohort was derived from a commercial claims database. Participants: Adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity and no CV events one year prior to index date. Exposure: Individualized nutrition therapy (INT) program combining telemedicine clinical care and carbohydrate-reduced nutrition counseling. Main Outcomes and Measures: Four prespecified primary outcomes included 1) 3-point major adverse CV events (MACE), defined as nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or death from any cause; 2) 6-point MACE, adding percutaneous coronary intervention, hospitalization for heart failure or unstable angina; 3) all new-onset CV events; and 4) new-onset hypertension. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, and safety outcomes related to arrhythmias. Results: In 4,877 participants in each cohort (mean age, 51 [SD 9.5] years; 2,939 [60.3%] female), INT was associated with reduced risk of all primary outcomes. Incidence per 1,000 person-years was 4.1 vs 9.3 for MACE-3, 5.7 vs 10.8 for MACE-6, 27.7 vs 36.9 for all new onset CV disease, and 41.8 vs 49.3 for new-onset hypertension. Hazard ratios were 0.44 (95% CI, 0.29-0.65; P <0.001) for MACE-3, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.37-0.73; P <0.001) for MACE-6, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.59-0.82; P <0.001) for all CV disease, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70-0.93; P <0.001) for new-onset hypertension. Conclusions and Relevance: Individualized telemedicine nutrition therapy was associated with lower CV event incidence compared to controls, suggesting the intervention may confer cardioprotection. KEY POINTS: Question: What is the impact of an individualized telemedicine nutrition program on cardiovascular events? Findings: In this claims-based cohort study, individuals receiving carbohydrate-reduced nutrition therapy had significantly reduced risk of all primary outcomes compared with matched controls: 56% lower 3-point MACE, 48% lower 6-point MACE, 30% lower risk of all new-onset cardiovascular events, and 19% lower new-onset hypertension. The risk of all-cause mortality was also directionally reduced. Meaning: Telemedicine nutrition therapy was associated with favorable cardiovascular outcomes compared to usual care.

This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit: