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A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes
Vitória Duarte1, Bárbara Mota2, Sofia Ferreira2
1Endocrinology Department, Armed Forces Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Insights
The COVID-19 lockdown negatively impacted glycemic control in type 1 diabetes patients, increasing BMI and HbA1c, especially in younger age groups. Telemedicine and physical activity are crucial for managing diabetes during restrictions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread lockdowns, significantly affecting individuals with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes.
- Understanding the impact of these restrictions on disease management is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.
- To identify specific demographic groups most affected by the lockdown's impact on diabetes management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 type 1 diabetes patients (aged 2-18) using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
- Data collected included age, weight, insulin doses, and glycemic control (HbA1c) before and during the nationwide lockdown in Portugal.
- Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate changes in metabolic parameters.
Main Results:
- The lockdown period was associated with a significant increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) across all patients (p=0.009), particularly in girls and older adolescents.
- Glycemic control worsened in the 10-13 age group, with a 0.4% increase in HbA1c (p=0.03).
- Baseline glycemic control was suboptimal, with a median HbA1c of 7.9%.
Conclusions:
- This study, the largest of its kind on insulin pump users during lockdown, underscores the detrimental effects on type 1 diabetes management.
- Physical activity, enhanced parental supervision, and consistent telemedicine support are vital for maintaining metabolic control in young type 1 diabetes patients.
- The findings emphasize the need for adapted healthcare strategies during public health crises.
Aim:
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to impose lockdown policies, thus impacting patients with chronic diseases, such as type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lockdown on glycemic control in type 1 diabetes patients.
Patients And Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated patients using a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion device during the nationwide lockdown. Children and adolescents aged 2-18 years followed up at the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit of Hospitalar São João in Portugal were included in the study. We collected data on the age, weight, insulin doses, and glycemic control of the patients before and after the restrictions.
Results:
The study included 100 patients, 59 males, with a mean age of 12.5 years. Baseline data showed a suboptimal glycemic control with a median HbA1c of 7.9%. The lockdown was associated with an increase in the body mass index (BMI) of all patients (p = 0.009), particularly girls and older teenagers. Metabolic control deteriorated in the 10-13 age group (p = 0.03), with a 0.4% increase in HbA1c.
Conclusion:
To date, this is the largest study on the impact of lockdown on type 1 diabetes in patients using an insulin pump. The results highlight the importance of physical activity, parental supervision, and continuation of healthcare assistance through telemedicine in young individuals with type 1 diabetes.
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