[Virtual care in patients with type 2 diabetes during covid-19].

BACKGROUND

The covid-19 pandemic made self-management difficult for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Some health services provided remote care to people with chronic illnesses.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the modalities of care, in-person (AP) versus virtual (AV), during the covid-19 pandemic on clinical and mental health variables.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective cohort study of 75 patients with a diagnosis of DM2 (age Me = 49 years) treated between June 2020 and December 2021. A total of 40 (53%) received VA and 35 (47%) AP. The Chi square and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests were used to show homogeneity between groups and the Friedman test to compare the pre- and post-test change, considering each attention group as a comparison factor.

RESULTS

In both groups the values ​​of HbA1c, triglycerides and Non-HDL cholesterol decreased. Both groups improved in quality of life and emotional exhaustion. A Cox regression model showed that the perception of a good quality of life and triglyceride control at two months increase the HR of HbA1c control, after adjusting the model for age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Both care modalities generate a similar benefit in the management of T2DM. The virtual consultation was a useful and safe alternative.