Abstract
Background: The discharge from the hospital of insulin-treated hyperglycemic patients is always challenging. This is even more so in patients requiring glucocorticoid treatment, such as those with COVID-19.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective monocentric study of 23 inpatients was conducted with newly diagnosed or already known diabetes mellitus (DM) who were naïve to insulin treatment, and who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in non-critical settings and then discharged. Patients were followed up for one month after discharge for the management of insulin treatment by a multi-professional team through phone consultations.
Results: Insulin prescriptions at discharge were 24.6 ± 14 U/day injected in 2 ± 1.5 daily shots. A mean of three phone consultations was required. One month later, the mean insulin reduction was 1.5 ± 1.3 shots and 6 ± 5 U/day. All patients reached their glycemic target without hypoglycemic events, drop-outs, or readmissions.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a multi-professional approach through telemedicine for managing DM patients after discharge during COVID-19.
Keywords: Diabetes, COVID-19, telemedicine, insulin requirement, discharge, inpatients.
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