Diabetes and Jamaica
Could you count on one hand the number of people you know with diabetes in Jamaica? Are you one of these people? Diabetes is one of the most common illnesses affecting the Jamaican population today. Data shows that more than 220,000 Jamaicans between 15 and 74 years old have diabetes and approximately 10,000 under the age of 15. Today, diabetes is the second leading cause of death in Jamaica for those under 70 years old. Learning to live a healthy life once you have been diagnosed with diabetes is not difficult once you have the right knowledge and guidelines.
November 14th is World Diabetes Day and you will find a wide array of resources available for your education on this illness. Often referred to as “sugar” by the general population, diabetes is characterised by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or diabetes has been diagnosed within your family, being aware of the illness and the next steps in maintaining your health are crucial for a long and healthy life. Telemedicine provides a great opportunity for diabetic patients to get treatment, knowledge and advice while remaining safe and healthy.
Diabetes and Online Healthcare
Like many chronic illnesses, diabetes monitoring can be facilitated by telehealth technologies. The advantages of these technologies have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic allowing for a safe space for patients with diabetes to gain access to healthcare. The following are some of the benefits of telehealth in diabetes care and management:
● Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM):
Telehealth facilitates around the clock monitoring of your condition via remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices. Patients are able to provide their physician with certain metrics including blood sugar levels and weight which can help monitor the illness as it progresses. Getting this information sent in frequently and even daily can be life-saving for a diabetic patient whose blood sugar levels can change and cause complications almost instantly. More frequent check-ins may allow you to assess changes in your health and get the treatment you need urgently. In the long run, this may also save you the cost of a hefty hospital bill had you caught on too late.
● Telemedicine for Instant Prescription Refills
Many patients living with diabetes have to be on medication constantly to ensure their blood sugar remains at a safe level. One benefit for diabetic patients utilising telemedicine is that they can see a Doctor online to receive prescription refills from the comfort of their homes. If there aren’t any drastic changes requiring you to be checked by your doctor but your medication has simply run out, getting it refilled via telemedicine is a quick and convenient way of getting your medication, allowing you to avoid the hassle and additional costs of visiting the clinic or Doctor’s Office.
● Healthcare in a safe environment
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in our lives. Particularly for patients who have existing conditions, it has forced them to be more cautious about their environment. For
non-urgent cases, telemedicine allows diabetic patients to receive treatment in the comfort and safety of their homes by consulting with their doctor virtually. This ensures they remain at a lower risk for catching the virus by being in a busy healthcare environment.
● Instant access to medical advice
As noted before, diabetic patients are at risk of sudden onset of symptoms due to changes in their blood sugar levels. These may be triggered by different things such as food, other medication, exercise or hormonal fluctuations. Telemedicine may allow you to receive instant access to a healthcare provider who may give you a prescription, advice or even recommend you go into the hospital for further in-person treatment. You don’t have to worry about the hassle of going into a doctors office the moment your symptoms start to change, a doctor is available right in your pocket via your handheld device or at your home via your computer.
● Assistance in lifestyle monitoring
For diabetic patients, monitoring your health is crucial for illness management. Your smartphone may also assist you in tracking a healthier lifestyle. You may monitor your diet and daily food intake as well as find an exercise routine on your phones. This will allow you to stay on track and remain as healthy as possible with these lifestyle monitoring tools.
Telemedicine as support not a substitute
On the other hand, despite all its benefits, telemedicine cannot be a full substitute for in-person care especially if you do have a chronic illness such as diabetes. Diabetes does affect several parts of the body and if you are experiencing any new symptoms or having a hard time controlling your blood sugar, you should consult with your doctor in person. Diabetes can quickly turn into other health risks such as heart disease, kidney disease and even cause a stroke if left untreated or improperly treated. Examinations such as blood tests, eye exams and skin exams cannot be adequately done remotely.
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In many cases, adequate knowledge and monitoring of diabetes can be the difference between life and death. Speak to your healthcare provider to learn more about your illness and how it can be treated. Understand what exactly is happening in your body and how your actions may contribute to the changes, for better or worse. Additionally, in a technological age, take advantage of the benefits of telemedicine which provides an improved quality of care and an increase in access to healthcare, particularly for at-risk patients such as those with diabetes.