PCDS publishes COVID-19 and diabetes recommendation document

Practices should maintain clinically important diabetes reviews but be aware that many people may be concerned about attending for face-to-face review because of the risks associated with catching COVID-19.

That is according to a document published by the Primary Care Diabetes Society (PCDS) entitled ‘COVID-19 and diabetes: Update for primary care in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic’.

It was drafted with input from ABCD’s Chair Dr Dipesh Patel and Diabetes UK’s Bridget Turner to help primary care services function better during the latest COVID-19 wave.

A series of recommendations have been made and helpful resources collected to assist teams.

It has been suggested that diabetes teams “make use of remotely gathered information” to monitor people’s conditions, “maintain awareness” of diabetes-related complications and risk of progression, and “remain vigilant” for symptoms of new-onset type 1 diabetes.

Healthcare professionals are also being urged to encourage to have their COVID-19 vaccine with the document stating they have an “important role” in promoting its uptake.

The document said: “As trusted and respected members of their communities, they are well placed to support engagement with health messaging and vaccine distribution strategies that are sensitive to their local communities.

“HCPs should support access to multilingual, nonstigmatising communications, including vaccine offers and endorsements from trusted sources to increase awareness and understanding, and to address different religious and cultural concerns within the communities they serve.”

To read the document in full, click here.