Managing patients with diabetes during COVID-19

It has never been more challenging to help patients manage chronic conditions, most especially type 2 diabetes.

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, according to the CDC, and the vast majority of them have type 2. In normal times, managing diabetes is a challenge for physicians, as it requires a strong physician-patient relationship and dedication from patients to adhere to their treatment plans.

Managing this condition has been flipped on its head by the COVID-19 pandemic. As patients with diabetes are now dealing with more remote care and increased stress from the toll the pandemic.

So how can physicians help their patients control their diabetes in the COVID-19 era?

To discuss this important topic, my guest today is Marie E. McDonnell, M.D., an endocrinologist and director of the Brigham Diabetes Program at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston, and a lecturer on medicine at Harvard Medical School.

This is part Ione of a two-part conversation with Dr. McDonnell.