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COVID-19 has gravely threatened high-risk populations, such as people with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases, leading to disproportionate hospitalizations, longer and repeated hospital stays and deaths among these individuals worldwide. It is well documented from previous outbreaks that diabetes increases the risk for poor outcomes due to SARS infection. In the present review, we bring evidence that country and global level health crisis caused by COVID-19 could have been avoided or highly minimized if measures to protect high-risk populations were implemented timely. In addition to general lockdowns, testing, tracing, isolation and hygiene measures, other specific interventions for diabetes and comorbidities management were key to allow the continuation of care services during the pandemic. These interventions included: teleconsultation, digital remote education/monitoring, e-prescription/medicine delivery options, mobile clinics, home HbA1c and albumin-creatinine tests. In this article, we recommend prompt actions to protect the most vulnerable groups, valuing knowledge and experiences from previous outbreaks and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to shield communities, health systems and the global economy. |
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