The COVID-19 pandemic has changed some things about diabetes, particularly in the way it has been traditionally treated.
Leading to the pandemic, the treatment of diabetes was a team affair. From the doctor spearheading treatment to a team of professional doing their part. From the nurse that shares information to pharmacists staying on top of a patient’s medication. What has not changed is the disease’s prevalence in society with one in three either suffering from diabetes or suffering pre-diabetes symptoms, Kaiser Permanente reported. Because those with diabetes find themselves particularly at-risk from the pandemic, adjustments have been made in terms of treatment.
Social distance in treating has included remote monitoring with a smartphone and Bluetooth-enabled glucometer. It is one of the examples in which diabetes care should be a combination of safe and frequent electronic interventions balanced with face-to-face encounters in treatment, Kaiser Permanente reported. With the increase in telehealth options, there is the opportunity to take advantage in treatment with through that medium and in-person treatments.
