IDF21-0636 Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle changes and medical challenges in patients with type 1 diabetes in south India

Abstract

Background: India has become a major epicentre of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The lockdown imposed by the Indian government during the pandemic of COVID-19 has inflicted changes in diet and lifestyle patterns in patients with diabetes. There are unique challenges in addressing management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the lockdown period. Aim: To evaluate the effects of nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 on lifestyle changes and medical challenges in patients with T1D in south India. Method: Data was collected through telephonic interview (between April 30 and May 15, 2020), from a random list of 154 individuals with T1D, who had visited a large tertiary diabetes care centre during the past year. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on changes in lifestyle, access and challenges to diabetes care, use of technologies such as telemedicine facilities, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and hypoglycemia. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.3 ± 10.5 years, and 59.1% of the participants were males. Overall, 27.3% of the participants utilized online information like Youtube, Facebook, WhatsApp for control of diabetes of whom, 76.2% reported watching videos about diabetes. Table 1 presents data on access to diabetes care during the lockdown in T1D individuals. Majority (80%) of the participants monitored their blood glucose at home and 38.3% of them had documented episodes (weekly or monthly once) of hypoglycemia and but were able to treat themselves at home. Of the total participants, 49.3% of them reported that their physical activity pattern has changed (50.6% reported no change in their activity) of whom in 52.5% the activity increased, and in 47.5% it decreased. Over 60% of the participants consumed more vegetables, and 38.7% had consumed more fruits, during the lockdown.Table 1Access to diabetes care during the lockdown in T1D individuals.Access to diabetes careTotal (n=154) n(%)Tried to see a Doctor since lockdown (Yes)20(13.0)The main reason for wanting to see a Doctor Treatment or evaluation of diabetes, blood pressure, or heart disease Treatment or evaluation of other chronic diseases Other reason14(70.0) 1(5.0) 5(25.0)The outcome in trying to see the doctor Yes, in-person Yes, by Telemedicine No, tried but could not be seen16(80.0) 2(10.0) 2(10.0)Had any blood tests done since lockdown? Yes – tried and successful Yes – tried but could not be done No11(7.1) 2(1.3) 141(91.6)Have you run out of any of your medications during lockdown? (Yes)9(5.8)Ran out of insulin9 (100.0)What was the main reason for running out of insulin? Lockdown restrictions in going out to buy medications Unable to afford Pharmacy out of stock Others-Pharmacy closed2(22.2) 1(11.1) 5(55.6) 1(11.1)Have you had access to home delivery of medicines? (Yes)48(31.6)Interested in getting medicines home-delivered even after the current situation eases? (Yes)38(25.0) Open table in a new tab Discussion: Among T1D participants, both positive and negative behavioral changes occurred during lockdown due to COVID-19. More research is needed on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of persons with T1D.