Metabolic Benefit of Teleconsultation for Diabetes Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A French Observational Prospective Study

Abstract

Aim:

To investigate the impact of teleconsultation on glycemic control in patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

In this observational prospective study, the main outcome was the comparison of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between patients with or without teleconsultation at 6-month follow-up.

Results:

From March 17 to May 31, 2020, 610 patients were included, 456 were followed-up using Teleconsultation présent (TC+) and 154 not using No Teleconsultation (TC−). Patients of TC+ Group were younger, 57 ± 17 versus 65 ± 15.5 years (p < 0.001), with a lower body mass index, 28 ± 6.2 kg/m² versus 30 ± 5.8 kg/m², compared to those of TC− Group (p < 0.001). HbA1c were comparable between the two groups: 7.35 ± 0.27% for TC+ versus 7.48 ± 0.22% for TC− Group. At 6-month follow-up, HbA1c was lower in TC+ versus TC− Group: 7.21 ± 0.15% versus 7.6 ± 0.18% (p = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Our findings point toward the feasibility and usefulness of teleconsultation for the follow-up of patients with diabetes in such exceptional circumstances.