Self-management practices among diabetic patients during the COVID 19 pandemic: Systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Self-management is crucial in diabetes care and assessing its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic is vital. This systematic review examines the pandemic's influence on self-management practices among diabetic patients. Methods: We conducted searches in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct from December 2019 to June 2021. Included studies evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on self-management practices in diabetic patients. After removing duplicates, two independent reviewers conducted title and abstract reviews, followed by full-text screening, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Of 1083 records, nine studies were included, comprising 5279 patients with sample sizes ranging from 52 to 1510. During the pandemic, most self-management practices remained relatively stable. Improvements were observed in dietary control (1% to 82.6%), self-blood glucose monitoring (11.3% to 47.1%), medication adherence (8.1% to 18.4%), weight management (19% to 40.9%), and physical activity (1% to 25.7%). Notably, physical activity showed a decrease (19% to 69.1%) during the pandemic. Conclusion: Compared to the pre-pandemic period, dietary control exhibited the most significant improvement, while physical activity demonstrated the least increase. Medication adherence and self-blood glucose monitoring were relatively better than other self-management practices. It is imperative to enhance self-management practices in diabetic patients during similar pandemics.