Title:A Multi-professional Approach for Transition of Care at Discharge in
Hyperglycemic Inpatients with COVID-19: A Single Center Study
Volume: 22
Issue: 13
Author(s): Elena Castellano*, Donatella Gaviglio, Micaela Pellegrino, Laura Gianotti, Giampaolo Magro, Francesco Tassone, Claudia Baffoni, Renza Sibbono, Roberto Attanasio, Alberto Boriano and Giorgio Borretta
Affiliation:
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Santa Croce and Carle Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
Keywords:
Diabetes, COVID-19, telemedicine, insulin requirement, discharge, inpatients.
Abstract:
Background: The discharge from the hospital of insulin-treated hyperglycemic
patients is always challenging. This is even more so in patients requiring glucocorticoid treatment,
such as those with COVID-19.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective monocentric study of 23 inpatients was conducted with
newly diagnosed or already known diabetes mellitus (DM) who were naïve to insulin treatment,
and who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in non-critical settings and then discharged. Patients
were followed up for one month after discharge for the management of insulin treatment by a
multi-professional team through phone consultations.
Results: Insulin prescriptions at discharge were 24.6 ± 14 U/day injected in 2 ± 1.5 daily shots.
A mean of three phone consultations was required. One month later, the mean insulin reduction
was 1.5 ± 1.3 shots and 6 ± 5 U/day. All patients reached their glycemic target without
hypoglycemic events, drop-outs, or readmissions.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a multi-professional
approach through telemedicine for managing DM patients after discharge during COVID-19.
