Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Sep 24, 2020
Date Accepted: Mar 16, 2021
Date Submitted to PubMed: Apr 7, 2021
TELEASSISTANCE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: RESULTS FROM A PILOT STUDY
ABSTRACT
Background:
Telemedicine in chronic disease management has received a significant boost during the health emergency from COVID-19.
Objective:
We have evaluated the effectiveness of two virtual visits on glycemic control parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the lockdown period.
Methods:
Among the T1D patients who had scheduled an office visit during the lockdown (n=211), those who made two virtual visits (baseline and follow up) (n=166) were enrolled for the present study. Time in range (TIR), time above and below range, mean daily glucose, glucose management indicator (GMI), and coefficient of variation were compared between the two visits.
Results:
TIR significantly increased from 6218 % to 6417 % (p=0.02) in all patients, and more markedly in patients using the meter (N=11, baseline TIR 55±17 % and follow-up TIR 66±13 %, p=0.01) and with baseline GMI 7.5 % (N=45, baseline TIR 45±15 % and follow-up TIR 53±18 %, p=0.0001). The only variable independently associated with TIR increase was the change of therapy while the sensor type and insulin delivery systems did not influence glucometric parameters.
Conclusions:
These findings demonstrate that the structured virtual visits allow the persistence and the improvement of glycemic control in situations where the office visit is not feasible. Clinical Trial: This study does not meet the criteria of a clinical trial
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