Diabetes care: How telehealth can help

When you have diabetes, there can be a lot to keep track of — from monitoring blood sugar to making healthy lifestyle changes. Learn how telehealth can help you stay on top of your care.

Diabetes care happens every day — not just at the doctor’s office. Your treatment plan may include medication, blood sugar monitoring and changes to your diet. Telehealth can help make your diabetes care more personalized and easier to access.¹ Virtual visits, connected devices and coaching can provide support between in-person appointments.

The role of telehealth in routine diabetes care

Telehealth can support different aspects of your diabetes care. Here are some of the ways it can help you prioritize your health.

Remote blood sugar monitoring

Checking your blood sugar is a key part of diabetes care.² With a connected glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), readings can be shared digitally with your provider.¹

During a telehealth visit, you and your provider can review trends over time along with results from in-office visits. This can give a clearer picture of how food, activity and stress affect your blood sugar.³

Medication management

If you take medication or use insulin, you may need to update your treatment plan over time. Virtual visits can give you a chance to talk through concerns like missed doses or side effects without having to wait for an appointment.¹

Reviewing test results

Lab tests like A1C levels are an important part of diabetes management.⁴ While you will likely still need to go in person for bloodwork, it’s often easy to discuss results with your provider through telehealth.

During a virtual visit, you can:

Go over your numbers
Ask questions
Discuss next steps or lifestyle changes

Telehealth appointments can help you stay connected — without an in-person office visit. Find a telehealth subscription that fits your routine and health needs.

Staying on track between in-person visits

Blood sugar changes and symptoms don’t always follow a schedule. Things like stress, diet changes, illness or new medications can affect your levels from day to day. Telehealth offers a simple way to check in with your care team when something feels off, without waiting for an appointment.

Having access to virtual visits or secure messaging may also help you feel more supported. It can also give your provider a better view of how you’re doing over time, not just on appointment days.

Early intervention

It’s good to get in the habit of discussing changes with your provider. You’ll want to let them know about:

Frequent high blood sugar
Unexplained low blood sugar
Changes in appetite
Increased fatigue (feeling tired)

These signals may seem minor, but they can point to patterns that need attention.

Telehealth makes it easy to bring up concerns early, while details are still fresh. Addressing symptoms early may help prevent complications and reduce the need for urgent care or emergency visits.

Follow-up support

Telehealth can act as a bridge between appointments, especially after a medication change, new diagnosis or hospital stay. You can check in to review progress and ask questions.

Staying connected helps your care team monitor how your treatment plan is working and make small changes if needed. This added support can be especially helpful during times of change or recovery.

Managing side effects

Some diabetes medications can cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea. When these issues come up, it’s important to share them with your doctor.

You can report side effects quickly and talk through next steps during a virtual visit. Your doctor may suggest a timing change, dose adjustment or other options to help you feel better.

Managing your diabetes is easier with support. Explore telehealth subscriptions that can connect you to doctors 24/7.

Prevention and long‑term wellness

Telehealth doesn't just help with diabetes management. It can support your overall health long-term as well.¹

Plan for screenings

If you have risk factors like prediabetes, family history or higher A1C levels, telehealth visits can help you stay informed and keep prevention plans up to date.¹

Lifestyle coaching and education

Nutrition, movement and daily habits play a big role in blood sugar control.² Many telehealth programs offer education or health coaching to help you make changes that fit your schedule and health needs.

Mental health support

Stress can affect blood sugar levels.² Telehealth can help you access mental health support such as counseling or stress management tools. These can be an important part of long-term diabetes care.

When to go in person

Telehealth is a helpful tool, but it does not replace in‑person care.

You’ll likely need to see a doctor in person for:

Physical exams
Lab tests
Imaging
Emergency care for symptoms like confusion or very high or low blood sugar⁵

The bottom line: Telehealth can be a valuable part of diabetes care. While it doesn’t replace in‑person visits, it can help you stay connected, informed and supported between appointments.

Have questions about how telehealth can help support your overall health? Call 1-844-211-7730 to speak with a licensed insurance agent or browse telehealth subscriptions online.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

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