People with diabetes need to be constantly monitored, ready to make lifestyle adjustments and develop a strong relationship with medical professionals.
The condition can put a strain on land-based medical facilities, where healthcare professionals are often to stretched to the limit due to a lack of resources.
Much like many other sectors, technology has provided a useful solution to the problem by providing a platform for telehealth services to be developed.
Telehealth has proved to be an invaluable addition to the healthcare sector, particularly in countries such as the United States and Australia.
It is an effective tool which supports continuity of care and improves the wellbeing of patients, including those who are dealing with serious health conditions such as diabetes.
Telehealth in Diabetes
Telehealth uses digital technologies such as video consultations, mobile apps and wearable devices to deliver quality healthcare services to every patient’s doorstep.
These digital tools are invaluable when managing a serious ailment such as diabetes. They help clinicians track blood pressure and glucose levels.
Medical professionals can review the data to figure out the best treatment plan for their patients and administer the necessary medications.
These medications can also be delivered to a patient’s doorstep, and all this is done without both parties meeting up at a hospital for a routine check-up.
The United States is among the countries that use telehealth to improve the wellbeing of diabetic patients. However, they were slow to jump on the bandwagon.
The US was not sold on the idea of virtual care before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the strict lockdown rules forced the healthcare sector to change its delivery model.
Since telehealth became mainstream, endocrinologists who treat diabetic patients have been blown away by the sheer level of satisfaction and positive reviews.
Studies showed that patients who used telehealth services got the same level of care as those who relied on face-to-face consultations.
Another national survey claimed that 62 percent of patients believe telehealth is more effective than in-person care, while 82% want to keep using it for the foreseeable future.
Australia is a Beacon for Telehealth Provision
Australia is proof that government policy can help to take telehealth to new heights.
They rolled out Medicare-subsidised telehealth services in 2020 to make sure that people still had access to quality care during lockdown.
That was a life-saving move, especially for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, who needed regular HbA1c tests every six months to keep an eye on blood sugar levels.
According to a study that involved about 800 general practices, over 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes used telehealth during the pandemic. Uptake was especially strong among older adults, women and people living in rural or regional areas.
Government initiatives such as Medicare-funded telehealth in Australia laid the groundwork, but private providers such as DoctorsOnDemand moved the sector to a different level.
According to this DoctorsOnDemand review, the platform offers patients comprehensive access to medical services. It is the ideal service for people with diabetes.
With many of their services available 24/7/365, DoctorsOnDemand allows patients to consult with medical professionals at any time, even outside standard working hours.
Technology Helps Patients Manage Diabetes
Technological innovations have been a huge catalyst in the growth of telehealth services.
Devices such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and Bluetooth-enabled meters now allow patients and healthcare providers to share real-time data.
Rather than leaving patients waiting nervously for their test results, clinicians then review the data and make the necessary adjustments in record time.
Platforms that integrate patient-generated health data into telehealth consultations are also creating new models of care.
It could be virtual group sessions for young adults managing type 1 diabetes, remote behavioural therapy for families, or monthly digital follow-ups for patients struggling to control their blood sugar levels.
Patients are starting to understand the important role technology plays in helping them manage diabetes. Thanks to remote monitoring tools, they don’t need to make long trips to medical facilities. Telehealth saves time and helps patients get a handle on their own health.
Tech innovations have also made life easier for clinicians. They no longer have to take on routine check-ups without having all the necessary information.
For the health sector, it lifts a huge burden by reducing the number of patients that come into the hospital for reasons that can be sorted out using digital technology.