Pediatric Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis After COVID-19: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learnt

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted routine healthcare, impacting chronic disease management.
• Pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients faced challenges in accessing consistent medical care and follow-up.
• Fear of viral transmission led to reduced healthcare visits, exacerbating poor treatment compliance and delayed diagnosis of complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global challenges in managing pediatric T1DM and DKA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify lessons learned from managing these complex cases in resource-limited settings.
• To explore alternative solutions prompted by the pandemic's impact on diabetes care.

Main Methods:

• This study employed a narrative review methodology.
• It synthesized information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric T1DM and DKA management.
• The review focused on challenges, outcomes, and adaptive strategies in global healthcare settings.

Main Results:

• The pandemic led to increased incidence of complicated DKA in children with T1DM, particularly in resource-limited areas.
• Delayed diagnosis, poor treatment adherence, and comorbidities like malnutrition and sepsis contributed to severe DKA cases.
• Limited resources necessitated innovative approaches to manage the surge in pediatric DKA.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted critical vulnerabilities in pediatric T1DM care systems.
• Effective management of pediatric T1DM and DKA requires adaptive strategies, especially in resource-constrained environments.
• Lessons learned underscore the need for resilient healthcare systems to manage chronic pediatric conditions during global health crises.