How can I use telehealth for diabetes care?
Telehealth can help patients treat and manage their diabetes.
What is telehealth for diabetes care?
Telehealth helps patients with diabetes track their health. Patients can use electronic tools to share health data with their provider. There are many ways that telehealth can be used for diabetes care, such as:
Health management. Track what you eat, how much exercise you get, and your blood sugar.
Education. Learn about healthy habits and how to use electronic health tools like apps for a mobile phone.
Specialty consultations. Join a video visit with a health care provider who is an expert in diabetes care.
What are the benefits of using telehealth for diabetes care?
There are a number of ways that telehealth can support diabetes treatment and management, including:
- More choices. Telehealth lets you see different providers, including specialists, even if they are far away.
- Timely care. You may be able to get an appointment faster than an in-person visit.
- Convenience. You can use telehealth from your home or a clinic near where you live.
How can I use telehealth for my diabetes care?
Telehealth helps you and your provider communicate and share information. This includes:
- Video appointments. You can use telehealth to meet with your provider and diabetes specialists.
- Secure emails or texts. Communicate with your provider by sending private messages. This may include sending your provider test results or images.
- Remote patient monitoring. Track your health information, like your blood glucose. Technologies make it easier to manage your diabetes. This may include a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or a glucose monitor. You can also use applications to track food or blood sugar levels or find tips on managing your diabetes.
How can I prepare for a telehealth visit?
Share your health information with your provider before your visit. This can include a food log, how much you weigh, your blood pressure rate, and how often you exercise. You should also share a list of your medications. During the visit, the doctor will go over the information with you. Together you can develop a care plan that is right for you.
How do I pay for telehealth?
Talk to your provider or insurance company to find out if telehealth care is covered, what you may need to pay, and learn about your options. Some health plans also pay for some or all the costs of remote monitoring devices for diabetes care.
More information
How can I use telehealth to manage chronic conditions? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What are different types of telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What do I need to use telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What should I know before my telehealth visit? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Why use telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
National Diabetes Prevention Program – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention