Glycemic Control i in Diabetes Type 2 Patients in Foster Families of Brod-Posavina County During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Blaženka Miškić, Vesna Ćosić, Karla Miškić, Ines Rajkovača Latić, Domagoj Vučić, Blaženka Kljaić Bukvić, Dario Rahelić, Marijana Knezević Praveček

Abstract


COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday life and medical supervision of chronically ill patients. Epidemiological measures, social distancing, and limited access to medical care impair glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Also, type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for more severe form of coronavirus disease. A large proportion of diabetic patients are placed in foster families who also adapt to the new situation. The purpose of this study was to examine the manner and frequency of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who are placed in foster families in the region of Brod- Posavina County. We established contact with patients suffering from type 2 diabetes situated in foster families and their caregivers. Measurement of glycemia was performed several times a day with regular notes and the data were supplemented by an insight into the medical documentation of patients in the hospital information system. The study included 33 patients with type 2 diabetes. The relationship between HbA1C with fasting and postprandial glycemia was linear. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1C regulation by type of therapy. There was a significant difference in the number of complications according to the level of HbA1C (Hi square test = 25.982, p <.001). The number of complications generally increased as HbA1C regulation was poorer. During current COVID-19 pandemic, care for patients with type 2 diabetes is significantly limited. Improved medical care for patients can be achieved by establishing cooperation and daily communication between caregivers, family physicians and, if necessary, diabetologists, especially through the use of online platforms and telephone communication, all with the aim of early detection of diabetes complications and adequate treatment of patients in current conditions.

DOI: 10.5671/ca.45.2.12


Keywords*


COVID-19, diabetes mellitus, glycemic control, foster families

Full Text:

PDF


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.