Noninferiority of Telemedicine Delivered Compared With In-person Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) During Covid-19 Pandemic in Thailand.

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and program satisfaction of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) for type 2 diabetes patients delivered by telehealth during COVID-19 pandemic to in-person delivery during pre-COVID-19. A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted (95 telehealth and 95 on-site). Differences in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reductions between groups were analyzed by linear mixed-effects models, and satisfaction was collected. Compared with baseline, at the three-month follow-up, the HbA1c reductions of the telehealth and on-site DSMES were 1.20 ± 0.15% and 1.21 ± 0.15%, respectively (P < .001), whereas these were 1.28 ± 0.16% and 1.18 ± 0.15% at six-month follow-up, respectively (P < .001). There were no significant differences in HbA1c reduction between the two groups (P = .967 and .674 at three- and six-month follow-up). Majority of participants in both groups had high program satisfaction (telehealth 98.7% vs on-site 95.1%, P = .269). In conclusion, DSMES delivered via telehealth is as effective in lowering HbA1c as that delivered in-person, with a high satisfaction rate.

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.

Effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention and the role of sleep in people living with HIV and prediabetes: a pilot and feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: Prediabetes is prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH). Insufficient and irregular sleep are linked to abnormal glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the differences in sleep characteristics between PLWH with and without prediabetes, determine the acceptability/feasibility and effects of a pilot six-month intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) program on glucose metabolism in those with prediabetes, and determine how sleep modulates these effects. RESULTS: Thirty-nine PLWH (20 normoglycemia and 19 prediabetes) participated. There were no differences in sleep characteristics between individuals with normoglycemia and prediabetes. Next, thirteen individuals with prediabetes completed a six-month ILI program. The ILI program resulted in significant body weight reduction at 6 months (63.5 ± 13.9 to 61.9 ± 14.0 kg, p = 0.012), which was maintained at 12 months (p < 0.001). Waist circumferences were significantly decreased at 12 months (85.4 ± 11.7 to 82.9 ± 12.7 cm, p = 0.014). An increase in sleep variability was significantly associated with an increase in 2-h plasma glucose, independent of changes in BMI (b = 0.603), and physical activity (b = 0.774). This pilot study suggested that ILI in PLWH with prediabetes is feasible and effective in improving metabolic control, with its effects possibly modulated by sleep variability. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study to reduce diabetes risk in this population. Trail registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03545217 (date of registration: May 22, 2018).