The past two decades have witnessed telemedicine becoming a crucial part of health
care as a method to facilitate doctor-patient interaction. Due to technological developments
and the incremental acquisition of experience in its use, telemedicine's advantages
and cost-effectiveness has led to it being recognised as specifically relevant to
diabetology. However, the pandemic created new challenges for healthcare systems and
the rate of development of digital services started to grow exponentially. It was
soon discovered that COVID-19-infected patients with diabetes had an increased risk
of both mortality and debilitating sequelae. In addition, it was observed that this
higher risk could be attenuated primarily by maintaining optimal control of the patient's
glucose metabolism. As opportunities for actual physical doctor-patient visits became
restricted, telemedicine provided the most convenient opportunity to communicate with
patients and maintain delivery of care. The wide range of experiences of health care
provision during the pandemic has led to the development of several excellent strategies
regarding the applicability of telemedicine across the whole spectrum of diabetes
care. The continuation of these strategies is likely to benefit clinical practice
even after the pandemic crisis is over.
