This study is part of the MAP/St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation COVID-19 Catalyst Fund, launched to advance our most urgent priority projects. Learn more
Preliminary studies from Wuhan and other centres suggest diabetes may be a key risk factor for ICU admission or death from COVID-19, for reasons that are not yet clear. This is particularly concerning given that diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in our society and extremely complex to manage effectively.
Towards better outcomes for COVID-19 and diabetes
This study will define and explain the emerging and important relationship between COVID-19, diabetes, and adverse outcomes. To do this, we will analyze population-level trends using administrative and acute-care databases, and explore individual experiences through interviews and surveys with patients and caregivers.
We will then rapidly develop solutions to prevent diabetes/COVID-19-related emergencies — including a custom, virtual-care platform to reduce the need for in-person care and hospitalization.
The Outcome
Our virtual-care model will immediately impact patient care for this large, high-risk population, and our findings will provide important guidance to improve COVID-19 planning and public-health policy.
