Why People with Diabetes are Hit Harder by COVID-19—And How to Help Them (PM360 Online)

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected people with chronic conditions, particularly diabetics. Even beyond the pandemic, patients with diabetes often have weakened immune systems and are more vulnerable to health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, infection, and others. These often require emergency attention and hospitalization, both of which significantly increase costs. One of the most significant and modifiable factors to facilitate better outcomes for patients with chronic conditions is long-term medication adherence. The only validated way to accurately measure true adherence — rather than mere medication possession — is Directly Observed Therapy. Medication adherence to prescribed regimens is quite literally “what the doctor ordered,” and can effectively support health plans, providers, and patients: achieving improved and desired outcomes for every stakeholder in healthcare.