Telemedicine and diabetes during the COVID-19 era

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected everyone’s life and especially those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. Therefore, the need for medical care in such populations resulted in identification of new models of health care avoiding physical consultation and reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, giving emphasis to telemedicine. There is an increasing amount of studies showing the beneficial impact of the use of telemedicine in patients with type 1 diabetes, while for patients with type 2 diabetes the existing data are limited and conflicting. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize the existing literature data on the impact of telemedicine on the follow-up of patients with diabetes during the pandemic as well as its place in the management of patients with diabetes in the future.

Effect of the SARS COV-2 virus on diabetes symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment

“…In the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, it proved incredibly helpful in monitoring the course of diabetes, medical consultations related to the disease, and obtaining information regarding its treatment [50]. Telemedicine is an easy way to contact a doctor, particularly for young patients with type 1 diabetes [51]. Patients with type 2 diabetes are primarily older persons that do not use the internet or other technologies daily.…”

“…Telemedicine services, however, also proved effective in that group of patients, allowing for better control of glycaemia than personal appointments in medical facilities [52]. According to literature sources, the application of telemedicine in comparison to standard health care correlates with a substantial decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) [51]. It should be emphasised that a greater decrease in HbA1c has been recorded in patients with recently diagnosed diabetes and higher initial HbA1c (>8%).…”

Organization of outpatient care for patients with diabetes mellitus in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic using telemedicine technologies

“…В долгосрочной перспективе предстоит выяснить, насколько вышеуказанные меры отразились на гликемическом контроле, физической активности и приверженности к лечению. Однако уже сейчас отмечено, что использование цифровых телекоммуникаций позволяет быстро реагировать на неблагоприятные изменения в эпидемиологической обстановке и может обеспечивать непрерывность контроля СД во время карантинных мер [49].…”

ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2022: Management of the child, adolescent, and young adult with diabetes in limited resource settings

“…When mobile phones are available, they can be utilized for sending the DMP and other diabetes education material to the school staff, and maintaining contact between the PwD, staff, parents, and if needed, the DCT. During the COVID pandemic years, mobile phones and video‐calls were extensively and effectively used 82 . Their continued use can help generate confidence in the parents and PwD, so that lost school days are minimized, especially in remote areas.…”

“…During the COVID pandemic years, mobile phones and video-calls were extensively and effectively used. 82 Their continued use can help generate confidence in the parents and PwD, so that lost school days are minimized, especially in remote areas.…”