Telemedicine Plays Crucial Role in Diabetes Management Amidst Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

Adolescents with diabetes mellitus (DM) faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with poorer glycemic outcomes and lower adherence to self-management regimens compared to other age groups. Researchers from NOVA Southeastern University conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature to examine self-management regimens and outcomes among adolescents aged 10-17 years with type 1 and type 2 DM during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Adolescents who used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), regularly adjusted insulin doses, and utilized telemedicine generally maintained or improved glycemic control during the pandemic.
  • Many adolescents gained weight, reduced their physical activities, worsened their diet and sleep habits, and experienced increased stress, all of which negatively impacted glycemic control.
  • Rates of acute complications and hospitalizations varied among adolescents.
  • Telemedicine was widely used and viewed positively by adolescents with DM, but further research is needed to assess the long-term impacts of the pandemic on this population.
  • Multilevel interventions and preparedness efforts are required to improve and sustain adolescents' DM self-management outcomes during public health emergencies.
  • Promoting CGM use, increasing physical activity levels, improving dietary habits, and reducing stress are essential to improve glycemic control.

Statistics:

  • 32 articles were included in the scoping review.
  • 70% of adolescents used telemedicine during the pandemic.
  • 60% of adolescents maintained or improved glycemic control with the use of CGM, regular insulin dose adjustments, and telemedicine.
  • 30% of adolescents experienced increased stress, which negatively impacted glycemic control.
  • Rates of acute complications and hospitalizations varied among adolescents, with some experiencing increased rates and others experiencing decreased rates.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings on Telemedicine Discussed by Researchers at NOVA Southeastern University (Adolescents' Diabetes Self-Management Regimens and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. October 19, 2025; p 106.
  • Cureus. Adolescents' Diabetes Self-Management Regimens and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review. 2024;16(12).