Role of clinical pharmacists in multidisciplinary collaborative management of blood glucose in COVID-19 patients with hyperglycemia

Background: During the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, the association between hyperglycemia and COVID-19 infection has emerged as a notable concern. Therefore, finding effective methods to manage hyperglycemia in patients with COVID-19 is crucial. Objective: To introduce the clinical pharmacists participating in multidisciplinary collaborative whole hospital blood glucose management mode, and to explore its effect on blood glucose control in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 infection and complicated with hyperglycemia. Methods: Patients with COVID-19 treated at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2022 to January 2023 were assigned to routine diagnosis and treatment group and whole hospital blood glucose management group according to the blood glucose management plan received by patients. The groups were compared in regards to their adherence to management advice, blood glucose levels, fluctuation, inflammation-related indicators, medical service-related indicators, and incidence of hypoglycemia and adverse events. Results: After 5 days of glucose management, both groups showed a decrease in fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Postprandial blood glucose in the whole hospital glucose management group was significantly lower than the routine group (P < 0.05). The whole hospital glucose management group showed a significant increase in compliance rate, improved inflammation-related indicators, and higher detection rates for hemoglobin and islet function (P < 0.05). Implementation rates for medical orders and treatment plans were also higher in the whole hospital group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary blood glucose management is highly recommended for patients with COVID-19 who have hyperglycemia due to its effectiveness, standardization, safety, and improvement of inflammation indicators.