In the U.S., millions of children and adults are living with type 1 diabetes, a complex autoimmune disease that requires careful management and constant monitoring. Unfortunately, a shortage of practicing endocrinologists – especially in rural, sparsely-populated areas of the country – means that many people have to rely on primary care providers to manage their complicated disease or travel great distances to visit a specialist.

This video explores a revolutionary, tele-mentoring model called Project ECHO that links community-based clinicians with specialists at university medical centers to manage patients with complex chronic conditions. While Project ECHO has been adapted for a range of diseases, support from the Trust helped the University of New Mexico launch a new Endo ECHO initiative to address the widespread need for greater access to complex diabetes care.

Featured first at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, this video showcases an innovative strategy to reach patients in underserved areas who are often unable to get the specialized care they need.