Abstract
BackgroundAlthough there have been several studies associating obesity with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, the potential impact of the pandemic on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence is less clear. Furthermore, reports on the characteristics of these patients during the pandemic have been scarce.ObjectivesThe purpose of this retrospective study was 1) to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on T2DM and MetS incidence, and 2) to describe sex-based differences in the characteristics of T2DM and MetS patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsUsing electronic health records (EHRs) obtained from the USA-based TriNetX research database (TriNetX, Cambridge, MA), the incidence and the total number of patients with “T2DM (ICD-10-CM: E11)” and “MetS (ICD-10-CM: E88.81)” prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic were determined. Aggregate lab data from EHRs were extracted and statistical analyses on the lab values and patient demographics including sex, race/ethnicity, and comorbidities were performed.ResultsAfter analyzing T2DM and MetS patient data from 2018, 2019, and 2020, we observed a considerable decrease in both T2DM and MetS incidence, with data in April 2020 exhibiting the largest decrease when compared to other months. Furthermore, monthly male T2DM and MetS patients’ lab data revealed worsening parameters in April 2020, such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) and blood glucose, when compared to females. Demographic data during 2020 revealed that male T2DM and MetS patients had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, but female T2DM and MetS patients had significantly higher asthma comorbidity.ConclusionsDuring 2020, there was a marked decrease in T2DM and MetS diagnosis. Due to a lack of screening, these data may suggest a subsequent increase in T2DM and MetS-related heart disease in the future and may magnify the existing sex-related differences identified in these patients.
Highlights
Due to a lack of screening, these data may suggest a subsequent increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related heart disease in the future and may magnify the existing sex-related differences identified in these patients
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 1.5 million Americans per year are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is characterized by increased insulin resistance and blood glucose levels, and decreased insulin secretion [1]
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a group of related disorders including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension [2], and it is estimated that the prevalence of MetS was 34.7% among United States adults based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 through 2016 [3]
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 1.5 million Americans per year are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is characterized by increased insulin resistance and blood glucose levels, and decreased insulin secretion [1]. Due to the increased risk that both T2DM and MetS patients have for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), frequent health screening and disease management are critical in the prevention of these major obesity-related life-threatening events such as heart attack and stroke. How to cite this article Franco B N, Asano S (January 21, 2022) COVID-19-Related Trends and Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome. There have been several studies associating obesity with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) outcomes, the potential impact of the pandemic on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence is less clear. Reports on the characteristics of these patients during the pandemic have been scarce
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