Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic status of patients with T2DM and effects of various factors involved

Abstract

Background: The recent coronavirus disease 2019 lockdowns forced people to stay indoors, resulting in lower physical activity, and change in dietary patterns, impacting glycemic control in the diabetic population. We aimed to assess the impact of the 3-month lockdown on glycemic control among outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) being treated at our hospital. Study Design: This retrospective study included data of outpatients aged ≥30 years with preexisting T2DM, regularly attending the clinic during the prelockdown period and who came for follow-up postlockdown. The primary outcome measures were change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose sugar (FBG), and postprandial blood sugar (PPBG) compared to the last value before the lockdown. Results: A total of 200 (male: female – 83:117) patients with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 58.0 (10.8) years were included. The mean (SD) interval between the pre- and post-lockdown visit was 3.9 (0.9) months, and 58.5% of the patients were compliant with the medication. The mean HbA1c levels increased significantly by 1.1 (P = 0.000), FBG by 21.9 mg/dL (P = 0.000), PPBG by 28.0 mg/dL (P = 0.000), and weight by 1.6 kg (P = 0.000), from pre- to post-lockdown visit. The patients noncompliant to therapy had a significantly higher increase in glycemic parameters. The results showed a significant correlation between the interval of follow-up and treatment compliance with increase in glycemic parameters and weight. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that there was a negative impact of lockdown on glycemic control in T2DM patients, highlighting the need for telehealth strategies to ensure the well-being of diabetic patients during such calamities.