A Multi-professional Approach for Transition of Care at Discharge in Hyperglycemic Inpatients with COVID-19: A Single Center Study

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 naive 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.

Automated summary

The feasibility, efficacy, and safety of managing diabetes patients through telemedicine after discharge during COVID-19 have been demonstrated.