by A recent global study has revealed that non-COVID-19-related deaths among individuals with diabetes have increased during the pandemic. The study, led by a public health researcher from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, examined the effects of pandemic-related disruptions on this vulnerable population and was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings of the review have been published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
The study analyzed 138 research papers comparing pre-pandemic and during pandemic periods in various regions, including North America, Western Europe, Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, Egypt, Australia, and multiple regions. According to the co-lead author of the study, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an assistant professor of health policy and promotion at UMass Amherst, the overall impact on diabetes outcomes was negative.
One startling finding of the review was a significant increase in diabetes-related admissions to pediatric ICUs and cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) among children and adolescents. In some cases, DKA, a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes, coincided with the diagnosis of diabetes. However, there was no noticeable rise in the frequency or severity of DKA among adults.
Hartmann-Boyce emphasizes the impact of these findings, particularly the increase in pediatric ICU admissions and pediatric diabetes ketoacidosis. She highlights that these events are major for both children and their families and have been consistently observed across different countries.
The initial WHO-commissioned study review conducted by Hartmann-Boyce focused on the direct impacts of the pandemic on individuals with diabetes. The data from this study confirmed that diabetes is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and increased mortality. This led the UK-based team, including Hartmann-Boyce who joined UMass Amherst from Oxford University, to explore the indirect effects of the pandemic on diabetes management.
Reduced access to healthcare and healthcare utilization during the pandemic contributed to an increase in diabetes-related mortality and all-cause mortality in England. Hartmann-Boyce emphasizes the importance of regular eye screenings for people with diabetes, as lack of screening can lead to increased vision loss. The study also identified a higher number of new cases of type 1 diabetes during the pandemic, with children being diagnosed at a more advanced stage of the disease.
Type 1 diabetes, though less common than type 2 diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that is typically diagnosed in childhood. Routine primary care visits play a crucial role in detecting type 1 diabetes, as evidenced by Hartmann-Boyce’s own experience. Her diabetes was discovered during a routine well child visit to the pediatrician. She raises concerns that individuals may miss essential check-ups and tests during the pandemic, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The study highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on individuals with diabetes and emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular healthcare services, including screenings and check-ups, to prevent complications and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Effective management of diabetes remains vital, even in the midst of a global health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
