The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes in Our Community

On July 22, BlueCross BlueShield hosted a webinar, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes in Our Community."

It has been widely reported that people with diabetes are especially vulnerable to serious complications from COVID-19 infection. The webinar featured local thought leaders to address this concern and offer diabetes care resources to Western New York providers. The webinar was moderated by Mark F. Perry, MD, Medical Director, BlueCross BlueShield. The following presenters were featured during the webinar:

• Paresh Dandona, MD, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor
  Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Buffalo
  Director, Endocrinology-Diabetes Center, Western New York

• Frank R. Laurri, MD, FACP
  Founder and President, Frank R. Laurri, MD & Associates, PC

• Jennifer Johengen-Vogel, MS, RN, CCM
  Vice President, Health Management, BlueCross BlueShield

Dr. Dandona presented compelling research on how the administration of insulin can be used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients with diabetes. According to Dr. Dandona, lowering blood sugar levels with insulin in diabetic COVID-infected patients is being shown to improve outcomes. Dr. Dandona also offered his perspective on the special risks presented to patients with diabetes at this time.

Dr. Laurri addressed the role primary care plays in the complicated, long-term management of diabetes. He also discussed the importance of preventing pre-diabetic patients from progressing to a diabetes diagnosis, and provided successful results from his own Diabetes Prevention Program.

Jennifer Johengen-Vogel discussed high-level data regarding our diabetic patient population and shared diabetes care management resources, including digital support through Livongo® and Wellframe®, which are offered by BlueCross BlueShield.

To view the recorded webinar, please click on the link below and log in with your provider credentials: