Capabilities of mobile health to treat diabetes in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Medicinskij sovet no. 11; pp. 132 - 137
• Main Author: Bolotskaya, L. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Russian
• Published: Remedium Group LLC 08.08.2020
• Subjects: blood glucose; blood glucose meter; diabetes; mobile app; pandemic covid-19
• ISSN: 2079-701X; 2658-5790
• DOI: 10.21518/2079-701X-2020-11-132-137

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM 1.2) are at high risk for changing the epidemiological situation during seasonal diseases (influenza, SARS), which mainly occur in the autumn-winter period. Under the current conditions in connection with the pandemic – СOVID-19, these patients turned out to be the most vulnerable, since the “isolation period” limits the possibility of dynamic observation of the patient by a general practitioner, an ophthalmologist, a specialist in the diabetic foot cabinet, and timely prescribing for preferential sugar-lowering drugs and resolving issues of planned hospitalization in specialized medical institutions. Patients who, for a numerous reasons have already have a low level of compliance with their chronic disease, were un-able to consult with a doctor on the topic of correction of sugar-lowering therapy in a short period of time. Any restriction on doctor’s consultation seriously affects the psycho-emotional state of patients with various types of diabetes, which often leads to an increase in blood glucose levels above the target level (5.5–6.5 mmol/L) and, as a result, leads to the development of acute and the progression of chronic diabetes complications. Modern technology in the form of a mobile diabetes management guide can serve as a helpful tool for patients during the “self-isolation”. In addition to the established communication with the doctor, the instructions will give patient the opportunity to make their own decisions and be involved in the treatment process. New time dictates the needs introduction of a new medical format consultation “doctor-patient”. The article presents the experience of providing counseling for patients with diabetes in the “mobile health care” format using the Contour Diabetes mobile app for the Contour ™ Plus One meter (Contour Plus One).