Integration of a diabetes practitioner in breast cancer care and its impact on glucose management.

e23064 Background: Dysglycemia in breast cancer patients is associated with poor cancer outcomes and increased emergency department (ED) and hospital utilization, often necessitating treatment modifications. Given the complexity of breast cancer management, streamlined care is essential to support patients in effectively managing comorbid conditions. Accordingly, we evaluated whether integrating a diabetes practitioner into a breast cancer clinic improves glycemic outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of breast cancer patients at Parkland Health (Dallas, TX) who received care from an integrated diabetes practitioner for dysglycemia management. Patients who established care with the practitioner between March 1, 2021 and August 31, 2025 and were followed for more than three months were included. Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) values were retrieved at cancer diagnosis, at the first diabetes visit, and at the time point closest to the end of the study period. HgbA1c values at the first diabetes visit and at study end were compared using a two-tailed t-test. Secondary variables included breast cancer subtype, stage at diagnosis, ED or hospital utilization for dysglycemia after the first diabetes visit, and cancer treatment status. IRB approval was obtained prior to study implementation (ID STU20250209). Results: Twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common breast cancer subtype was invasive ductal carcinoma, with a median stage of IIA at diagnosis. Median follow-up with the diabetes practitioner was 1.98 years. Mean HgbA1c at cancer diagnosis was 8.7%. Mean HgbA1c decreased from 8.4% at the first diabetes visit to 7.3% at study end (p = 0.02). No patients required ED or hospital visits for diabetes-related complications after the first diabetes visit. During follow-up, 12 patients transitioned from active cancer treatment to survivorship, with a median survivorship duration of 8.67 months. One patient died from breast cancer–related complications. Conclusions: Integration of a diabetes practitioner into a breast cancer clinic was associated with significant improvements in glycemic control and the absence of diabetes-related ED or hospital utilization. Improved glycemic control may reduce acute care needs during active cancer treatment and could facilitate more consistent cancer therapy delivery, potentially contributing to improved cancer outcomes and progression to survivorship. Embedding diabetes management within oncology clinics may represent a scalable strategy to improve outcomes and support longitudinal care for breast cancer patients with comorbid dysglycemia.