Implementation of diabetes care and educational program via telemedicine in patients with COVID-19 in home isolation in Thailand: A real-worldexperience.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangkok led to a shortage of hospital capacity, and a home isolation system was set up. We described the process of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) and glycemic management via telemedicine, along with outcomes in home-isolated patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of glucose values, insulin and corticosteroids use, and outcomes was performed. RESULTS: A volunteer group of 21 endocrinologists and 21 diabetes educators/nurses formed the consultation team. Patients with diabetes or at high-risk of diabetes and receiving corticosteroids were referred by primary volunteer physicians. Glucometers and related supplies, and insulin were donated, and delivered via same-day delivery services. A chat group of an individual patient/their caregiver, diabetes educator, endocrinologist, and primary physician was formed (majority via LINE® platform) to assess the patient's clinical status and need. Real-time virtual DSMES sessions were performed and treatments were adjusted via smartphone application or telephone. There were 119 patients (1,398 service days), mean (SD) age 62.0 (13.6) years, 85.7% had a history of type 2 diabetes, and 84.0% received corticosteroids. Insulin was used in 88 patients; 69 of whom were insulin-naïve. During the first 10 days, there were 2,454 glucose values. The mean glucose level on day 1 was 280.6 (122.3) mg/dL, and declined to 167.7 (43.4) mg/dL on day 10. Hypoglycemia occurred in 1.4% of the values. A majority of patients (79.5%) recovered at home. CONCLUSION: Diabetes care and DSMES delivered via telemedicine to patients on home isolation during COVID-19 pandemic was safe and effective.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Characteristics of Lipodystrophy in Insulin-Treated Patients with Diabetes: An Old Problem in a New Era of Modern Insulin.

BACKGROUND: Lipodystrophy has been reported as a common complication in insulin-treated patients, which could lead to unexplained hypoglycemia and suboptimal glycemic control. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and clinical characteristics of insulin-induced lipodystrophy in Thai patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving insulin-treated patients at Theptarin Hospital, one of the largest diabetes centers in Thailand. RESULTS: A total of 400 patients were studied (female 53.5%, T2DM 86%, mean age 65.6±15.4 years, duration of diabetes 23.0±10.2 years, median insulin treatment 10 years, usage of insulin analog 72.1%, A1C 7.9±1.6%) . The prevalence of lipohypertrophy (LH) in overall patients was 37.3% (T1DM 46.4% and T2DM 35.8%). The highest prevalence (57.5%) was observed in long-standing (≥10 years) T1DM patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the duration of insulin use (≥10 years), use of human insulin, and incorrect rotation of injection sites were associated with LH. Patients with LH were found to have 7-times greater risk of unexplained hypoglycemia when compared with patients without LH. Lipoatrophy (LA) was found in only four cases (1.0%). All LA cases had a concurrence palpable area of LH. CONCLUSION: Insulin-induced lipodystrophy is still an overlooked complication in the conundrum of diabetes care. The presence of lipodystrophy was significantly associated with the occurrence of unexplained hypoglycemia. It should be emphasized to recognize this condition by inspecting and palpating insulin injecting sites regularly, and educate patients to avoid the development of lipodystrophy.