Managing Diabetes in the Digital Age – How Telehealth Has Revolutionized Care

November is American Diabetes Awareness Month. Now more than ever is the time to reflect on the vast strides made in diabetes management through telehealth innovation. 38.4 million people in the U.S. – about 11.6 percent of Americans – live with diabetes. Although diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Though type 2 can be cured through diet and exercise, patients with either type 1 or 2 can manage their disease through various forms of telehealth and technology.

There is no exact science when it comes to treating type 1 diabetes – hundreds of things can affect a patient’s blood sugar, from physical aggravators like fighting off a cold or lack of sleep to emotional stressors like anxiety. Because of the boundless list of factors affecting patients’ health, frequent communication with a physician is essential to managing the disease. Telehealth enables patients to access the specialty care and guidance they need, much more conveniently and consistently.

The advancements in technology for diabetic patients has made tremendous strides in the past few years, especially with the widespread growth of telehealth. Patients can monitor their blood sugar levels from their own smartphones and even administer insulin. This is extremely beneficial in sharing data with physicians, so providers can monitor patients’ vitals 24/7 and notice certain patterns relevant to treatment. In addition to data sharing with doctors, these technologies have been transformational for caregivers monitoring seniors with diabetes, or young children who cannot manage their disease on their own. 

The value of telehealth for diabetic patients has been proven effective. A survey evaluating the impact of telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic found that patients using telehealth had better glycemic control than those receiving in-person care only. And multiple other recent studies have found that telemedicine use increases young adults’ adherence to treatment plans, citing high levels of satisfaction with their virtual appointments.

Providers support the use of telehealth too – in a recent survey conducted by the American Medical Association, physicians supported telehealth use appropriate for diabetes care. Providers working with diabetes mellitus patients even reported that virtual care can result in saved time, increased productivity and improved patient management. 

Diabetes is a complicated disease, but through telehealth intervention and continued developments in technology, managing it doesn’t have to be. Unfortunately, without swift congressional action, the Medicare telehealth flexibilities originally instated during the pandemic will expire at the end of this year. Congress must protect these vital flexibilities to protect the millions of patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions who rely on them. Without the protection of telehealth, advancements in telemedicine, and therefore diabetes treatment, cannot continue to grow, putting patients at risk of losing the access to care they need and a future of medical breakthroughs.

ABOUT TELEHEALTH ACCESS FOR AMERICA

Telehealth Access for America (TAFA) is a public education campaign supported by leaders in health care committed to better care, expanded patient choice, and protecting access to critical telehealth services.

Learn more at www.telehealthaccessforamerica.org.