Patients with Diabetes Face Unique Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic

Contemporary Clinic spoke with Robert Schumm, MBA, president of Ascensia Diabetes Care, about the challenges that patients with diabetes are facing during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Many challenges are the same for those with and without diabetes, Schumm said, including the isolation of stay-at-home orders and shortages of household items or other essentials.

“The thing is that for people with diabetes, sometimes these things have all that much more of an importance,” Schumm said.

For example, the loss of a job could not only add to financial strain, but it could make it impossible to get necessary medications, such as insulin. Increased stress can also impact blood glucose levels, Schumm said, leading to greater concerns around glycemic control.

There are some solutions, however. Schumm emphasized that patients should have enough supplies of their medications and equipment, whether that’s by getting a 90-day supply or asking their pharmacist for other solutions. Telemedicine has also proven to be extremely helpful during the pandemic, as patients with diabetes can still contact their providers with questions or concerns, while staying safely at home. Online options also offer a different way to obtain medical supplies that might normally be purchased at the pharmacy, Schumm said, and patients should become more comfortable with ecommerce options.