Article provide by Francis Dunn, Miami, FL
Diabetes is a chronic condition that needs constant monitoring. In-person visits have become inconvenient for most patients as they involve taking time off work, securing childcare, long travel times, and hours spent in waiting rooms. Most diabetics already self-check their blood sugar and/or inject themselves with insulin. Therefore, sharing these results virtually at virtual appointments can be an easy transition for most diabetics.
Here are some other areas where Telemedicine can assist with diabetes:
Consistent monitoring – Diabetic patients, especially young patients with severe diabetes will need 24-hour monitoring. Telemedicine allows doctors to monitor their patients with a higher level of care.
Support for lifestyle modifications – Managing diabetes is often related to changes in a patient’s lifestyle. These changes involve losing weight, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. Virtual consultations can provide diabetics with the information and the encouragement they need to reinforce healthy habits.
Patient Engagement – Encouraging patients to manage their condition is greatly dependent on how often they meet with their doctor. Telemedicine provides even rural patients with the support they need for regular visits.
Depression treatment – Patients with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from depression as low blood sugar creates a general sense of lethargy. In addition, a patient’s poor diet, lack of exercise, and self-neglect can lead to worsening this condition. Telepsychiatry can help to manage a patient’s mental health and identify lifestyle adjustments that can improve their mindset.
Preventative programs – Online Diabetic programs that help schools and other institutions provide information regarding diabetes prevention and can help young patients reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Francis Dunn is from Miami Florida. Francis William Dunn has spent the last twenty-five years working within the healthcare industry to improve corporate strategy and product development. He is the VP and co-founder of Medsite, Inc., a successful company that was later sold to WebMD. Francis Dunn understands how to be a successful leader and is often called upon for speaking engagements. His expertise in managing enterprise accounts continues to drive overall revenue for past employers.