Telemedicine applications in diabetology. Digital consulting hours and online training-implementation in daily practice

Since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related restrictions, digital consultation hours and online training have become an integral part of the care of people with diabetes in both in- and outpatient practices specializing in diabetes. Despite advancing digitalization and the use of modern diabetes technology, only a few model projects and specialized practices with dedicated diabetes teams were previously using these new communication options. With the improvement of the technology, the framework conditions, the expansion of the information technology (IT) infrastructure and, above all, the expectations of the patients, the digital consultation hour is also, even after COVID-19, a good addition and alternative to in-person consultations. To start digital consultations requires careful preparation. In addition to personal willingness to expand patient communication, appropriate structural and process quality standards are necessary in medical practice. Legal requirements, technical prerequisites, and integration into the existing practice workflow must be implemented. Digital consultation hours and online training are presented from the perspective of a diabetes consultant and diabetologist from a practice specializing in diabetes. Difficulties at the beginning, practical tips for a successful start, the advantages of video consultation, and problems in daily practice routine are presented. Demographic developments, increasing prevalence of diabetes, fewer treatment facilities, diabetologists and diabetic teams, location-independent consultation, and also the expectations of our patients support the implementation of digital consultation hours in daily practice. Although not yet optimal, the significantly improved remuneration is also an incentive for the new developments in communication. Treatment structures in diabetology practice and treatment success are improved by digital consultation hours.