The Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on people with diabetes, according to new research.Taking the highest death rates and other adverse results, in particular diabetic ketoacidosis (CAD) in children.
Research, in charge of the World Health Organization (WHO), was the first systematic review of evidence related to the clinical impact of the disturbances caused by pandemic in people with diabetes.A total of 138 studies were included, covered by more than 100,000 people from different parts of the world, the majority corresponding to North America and Western Europe.
Despite the variety of studies, consistent patterns were observed.Both mortality from all causes and diabetes related during health emergency compared to previous periods.In addition, increases in major amputations and vision loss were recorded.Although there were no significant differences in general amputations or CAD in adults, higher hospitalizations were found by CAD in children and adolescents with recent or pre -existing type 1 diabetes.
The findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & AMP;Endocrinology, highlighting the importance of considering people with diabetes as a vulnerable group during interruptions caused by pandemic.In addition, the researchers emphasized the need to have plans to guarantee access to medications and supplies, as well as the importance of a safety network for those fighting for access to medical care.
Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, the main author of the study, said that these findings also offer lessons for future pandemics and emergency situations.“It is important to think of who is at greater risk to these interruptions and direct attention to them.In addition, simply have plans for people to access medicines and supplies.In the US, it may be difficult to obtain backup supplies through insurance., but I think this tells us once again how important it is, that there is some kind of security network. ”
In addition, the role of technology in the management of diabetes during pandemic, but also warns that it can deepen existing inequalities.The doctor pointed out the importance of warning signals with children, since they should pay special attention in terms of diabetes to seek attention on time.
It is important to keep in mind that most studies were carried out in higher income areas, which can produce bias in the results.However, those collected worldwide consistently indicate an increase in adverse results for people with diabetes during pandemic.
Of six studies that examined mortality for all causes, an increase in deaths related to COVID-19 from 2019 to 2021 was found was 11%.Difference that even with adjustments by age, sex, corporate deprivation, type of diabetes and other factors remained significant.Mortality rates increased among people who did not receive attention during the health emergency.
Although doubts persist about whether COVID-19 increases the risk of developing diabetes, it has been observed that many people waited until they were seriously ill before looking for medical attention during pandemic.This could be contributing to the adverse results in the current panorama, according to Hartmann-Boyle.
In relation to amputations, nine of the twelve studies on major amputations showed a significant increase during pandemic.However, in the case of minor amputations, three of the fourStudies showed a decrease.Diabetes -related hospitalizations were also mixed, with some studies showing increases and other decreases.Interpreting this data is a challenge due to the avoidance of hospitals by many people during the pandemic.
In terms of vision, a systematic review found that delays in receiving anti -vascular endothelial growth factor injections for retinal diseases, including diabetic macular edema, resulted in significant reductions in visual acuity.It was observed that during the pandemic, ocular exam rates decreased dramatically.This is worrying since some eye conditions such as background retinopathy or preprolytive retinopathy can go unnoticed in daily life and can only be detected by an eye exam.
