Endocrine Abstracts

Background: There is an increased burden on the healthcare system worldwide due to the ongoing pandemic of Covid-19. Moreover, there is a surge in the number of patients who are waiting for their routine follow up treatment for chronic disorders. Good metabolic control is important in type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve quality of life, life expectancy and disease outcomes.

Aim: To see the impact of the tele-consultation on drug compliance , patient follow-ups and HbA1C values in Diabetic patients of central India.

Method: Randomised control design was used, 236 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus allocated from October 2020- April 2021 were randomized to either treatment at home by video tele consultation only or standard in clinic OPD treatment. Primary outcomes measured were HbA1c target (7%) and drug compliance (Measured by self-reported questionnaire) and follow-up accuracy after six months of randomisation. Results were analysed using statistical analysis.

Results: This study showed better drug compliance (Taking >90% of the medicine in time) in tele consultation group 91 % vs 76 % in OPD group. 126 consultations were missed in the standard in clinic OPD group and 19 in the teleconsultation group. Tele consultation group showed better HBA1C reduction 2.6 % (baseline mean=9.8 %) vs OPD group 1.2 % (baseline mean=9.6%), also a greater number of patients 64 % achieved target HbA1c goal of 7 % in teleconsultation group vs 34 % in OPD group.

Conclusion: Telemedicine based consultation has shown better results in this study in terms of drug compliance and patient follow-up which are integral to better diabetes control and preventing future complications. More awareness regarding this mode of healthcare delivery should be promoted.