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Khunti K, Aroda VR, Aschner P, Chan JCN, Del Prato S, Hambling CE, Harris S, Lamptey R, McKee M, Tandon N, Valabhji J, Seidu S. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes services: planning for a global recovery. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2022; 10:890-900. [PMID: 36356612 PMCID: PMC9640202 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(22)00278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected certain groups, such as older people (ie, >65 years), minority ethnic populations, and people with specific chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and some respiratory diseases. There is now evidence of not only direct but also indirect adverse effects of COVID-19 in people with diabetes. Recurrent lockdowns and public health measures throughout the pandemic have restricted access to routine diabetes care, limiting new diagnoses, and affecting self-management, routine follow-ups, and access to medications, as well as affecting lifestyle behaviours and emotional wellbeing globally. Pre-pandemic studies have shown that short-term delays in delivery of routine care, even by 12 months, are associated with adverse effects on risk factor control and worse microvascular, macrovascular, and mortality outcomes in people with diabetes. Disruptions within the short-to-medium term due to natural disasters also result in worse diabetes outcomes. However, the true magnitude of the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term outcomes and mortality in people with diabetes is still unclear. Disasters tend to exacerbate existing health disparities; as we recover ambulatory diabetes services in the aftermath of the pandemic, there is an opportunity to prioritise those with the greatest need, and to target resources and interventions aimed at improving outcomes and reducing inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East Midlands, Leicester, UK.
| | | | - Pablo Aschner
- Asociación Colombiana de Diabetes, Bogotá, Colombia; Oficina de Investigaciones, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana C N Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Stefano Del Prato
- Diabetology Divisions, Pisa University Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Stewart Harris
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Roberta Lamptey
- Department of Family Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nikhil Tandon
- Department of Endocrinology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jonathan Valabhji
- Division of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK; NHS England, London, UK; NHS Improvement, London, UK; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Samuel Seidu
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East Midlands, Leicester, UK
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Ono K, Murakami M, Tsubokura M. Was there an improvement in the years of life lost (YLLs) for non-communicable diseases in the Soma and Minamisoma cities of Fukushima after the 2011 disaster? A longitudinal study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054716. [PMID: 35383063 PMCID: PMC8984045 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine cause-specific years of life lost (YLL) changes between predisaster and postdisaster in disaster-affected municipalities, compared with the national average. We estimated the YLL in Soma and Minamisoma cities (the subject area) in Fukushima, Japan, where the tsunami and the nuclear accident hit in 2011. PARTICIPANTS We used vital registration records from a national survey conducted between January 2006 and December 2015. We analysed 6369 death data in the predisaster period (2006-2010) and 6258 death data in the postdisaster period (2011-2015). METHODS We incorporated vital statistics data as follows: age-based, sex-based and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision-based cause-specific deaths and calculated YLLs by ages 0, 40, 65 and 75 and sex for attributable causes of death for heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia, all cancers and specific cancers; breast cancer, colorectal cancer, leukaemia, lung cancer, stomach cancer and uterine cancer for predisaster and postdisaster in the subject area. RESULTS YLL attributed to heart diseases for males showed no decrease and YLL postdisaster was 0.37 years larger than that of the national average at age 0. The difference was -0.17 (95% uncertainty interval: -0.40 to 0.05) years at age 65. It decreased for females; the difference was 0.37 (0.18-0.57) years after the disaster. YLL decrease (that is, difference) in cerebrovascular diseases at age 0 was 0.27 (0.09-0.44) years and 0.18 (0.04-0.32) years; however, the YLLs postdisaster were still 0.24 and 0.25 years larger than those for the national average for males and females, respectively. YLL attributed to cancer did not increase even after the nuclear disaster. CONCLUSIONS We specified the causes of death to be reduced in disaster-affected areas in the future. This study emphasised the importance of understanding how the health situation changed for the whole society of the area from a comprehensive perspective, rather than focusing only on small mortality increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Ono
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Tsukuba West, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michio Murakami
- Department of Health Risk Communication, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan (current address)
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Research Center for Community Health, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
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Oyama Y, Abiru N, Kit A, Eyama D, Noda A, Nagata A. Thoughts and attitudes toward disasters among Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes: A qualitative descriptive study. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2021; 19:e12459. [PMID: 34664359 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to clarify the thoughts and attitudes of patients with type 1 diabetes during disasters. METHODS We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. The participants were 10 adult patients with type 1 diabetes who were selected through purposeful sampling. None of them had experienced a disaster. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Type 1 diabetes patients described a variety of thoughts and attitudes regarding disaster and preparedness. Based on their experiences, 528 codes were extracted. The codes were categorized based on their patterns and similarities. Then, 11 sub-themes and three main themes were identified. The three main themes were (a) "being unprepared since one could not relate to disasters"; (b) "managing well with insulin and food"; and (c) "hiding the fact that one has diabetes." CONCLUSIONS This study identified three important characteristics of the thoughts and attitudes of patients with type 1 diabetes toward disasters. These provide perspectives for education in pre-disaster preparation and support when disasters occur. Patients with type 1 diabetes are aware of the importance of insulin, food adjustment, and self-management on a daily basis. Therefore, it is necessary to educate them so that they can apply their knowledge in times of disaster. In addition, healthcare providers who provide support in times of disaster need to be aware that there are victims who cannot talk readily about their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Oyama
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Norio Abiru
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ayano Kit
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daigo Eyama
- Nagasaki University School of Health Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Arisa Noda
- Nagasaki University School of Health Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Nagata
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Glycemic control of people with diabetes over months after the 2018 North Osaka Earthquake. Diabetol Int 2021; 12:80-86. [PMID: 33479583 DOI: 10.1007/s13340-020-00438-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective On June 18 2018, Japan experienced the North Osaka Earthquake. The shaking intensity was recorded as level 6 of the Japan Meteorological Agency Seismic Intensity Scale. Despite the severe shaking, damages of lifelines and transportation networks were limited, and they were completely recovered within several days. We investigated whether the glycemic control in patients with diabetes was deteriorated over months after the earthquake. Methods We retrospectively analyzed diabetic outpatients attending the department of Metabolic Medicine, Osaka University Hospital, close to the epicenter of the earthquake, in 2018 (n = 1940), and those in 2017 (n = 1908) as a control. Whether glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were elevated after the earthquake, and whether the post-earthquake HbA1c elevation was more prevalent in areas with a higher seismic intensity were investigated using the mixed effects model. Results Compared to the same periods in 2017, mean HbA1c levels in 2018 were significantly higher 3-6 months after the earthquake (P < 0.05). The risk of HbA1c ≥ 7.0% was 1.6 (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.2) and 1.7 (1.2-2.4) times higher 3-4 and 5-6 months after the earthquake. Furthermore, the proportion of HbA1c deterioration after the earthquake was higher in areas with a higher seismic intensity (P for trend = 0.025). Conclusion Glycemic control was significantly deteriorated over months after the 2018 North Osaka Earthquake despite limited damage of lifelines and transportation networks. The deterioration was more prevalent in areas with a high seismic intensity.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Studies have shown that disasters may exacerbate the comorbidities in vulnerable populations such as those with a pre-existing chronic medical condition like diabetes. This article highlights recent studies that look at the impact of disasters on people with diabetes and also shows recent resources for consumers, health care providers, and policy makers to improve resiliency in people with diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS Recent articles have looked at the short-term impact of disasters upon people with diabetes and its comorbidities such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the triple disaster of 2011 in Japan (earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident), and the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake in Japan as well as the long-term impact of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Several public and private partners have used the past and recent findings to develop resources that help consumers with diabetes and the people who care for them, prepare for a disaster BEFORE the event.
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Breast Cancer Provider Interval Length in Fukushima, Japan, After the 2011 Triple Disaster: A Long-Term Retrospective Study. Clin Breast Cancer 2019; 20:e127-e150. [PMID: 31980405 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimizing the interval from symptom onset to treatment commencement is essential for a favorable outcome among breast cancer (BC) patients. This study examined whether provider interval (time elapsed from first consultation to treatment initiation) lengthened among BC patients after Japan's 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in Fukushima. Factors associated with the length of postdisaster interval and whether the interval was associated with BC stage were also investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS So-so District (study site) was an area damaged by the 2011 disasters. Data of all BC patients who made their first medical consultation and received initial treatment at the core medical institutions in the area 5 years before or after the disaster were extracted from patient medical records. We used several regression approaches to fulfill our study objectives. RESULTS We included 263 (140 predisaster and 123 postdisaster) patients. After adjustment for covariates, the interval did not significantly change after the disaster compared to before the disaster. Those with 4 or 5 cohabiting family members experienced a shorter interval after the disaster than those with 0 or 1 cohabiting family members (relative length, 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.78). Those with an interval of > 60 days had lower odds of stage III or IV cancer after the disaster than those with an interval of < 30 days (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.84). CONCLUSION Overall, provider interval did not lengthen after the disaster. However, those with fewer cohabiting family members might have experienced a longer total interval. Cancer stage may not necessarily reflect the influence of interval on patient outcome.
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Suneja A, Gakh M, Rutkow L. Burden and Management of Noncommunicable Diseases After Earthquakes and Tsunamis. Health Secur 2018; 16:30-47. [PMID: 29355393 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2017.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This integrative review examines extant literature assessing the burden and management of noncommunicable diseases 6 months or more after earthquakes and tsunamis. We conducted an integrative review to identify and characterize the strength of published studies about noncommunicable disease-specific outcomes and interventions at least 6 months after an earthquake and/or tsunami. We included disasters that occurred from 2004 to 2016. We focused primarily on the World Health Organization noncommunicable disease designations to define chronic disease, but we also included chronic renal disease, risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, and other chronic diseases or symptoms. After removing duplicates, our search yielded 6,188 articles. Twenty-five articles met our inclusion criteria, some discussing multiple noncommunicable diseases. Results demonstrate that existing medical conditions may worsen and subsequently improve, new diseases may develop, and risk factors, such as weight and cholesterol levels, may increase for several years after an earthquake and/or tsunami. We make 3 recommendations for practitioners and researchers: (1) plan for noncommunicable disease management further into the recovery period of disaster; (2) increase research on the burden of noncommunicable diseases, the treatment modalities employed, resulting population-level outcomes in the postdisaster setting, and existing models to improve stakeholder coordination and action regarding noncommunicable diseases after disasters; and (3) coordinate with preexisting provision networks, especially primary care.
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Toda H, Nomura S, Gilmour S, Tsubokura M, Oikawa T, Lee K, Kiyabu GY, Shibuya K. Assessment of medium-term cardiovascular disease risk after Japan's 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident: a retrospective analysis. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018502. [PMID: 29275343 PMCID: PMC5770825 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the medium-term indirect impact of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and to identify whether risk factors for CVD changed after the accident. PARTICIPANTS Residents aged 40 years and over participating in annual public health check-ups from 2009 to 2012, administered by Minamisoma city, located about 10 to 40 km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. METHODS The sex-specific Framingham CVD risk score was considered as the outcome measure and was compared before (2009-2010) and after the accident (2011-2012). A multivariate regression analysis was employed to evaluate risk factors for CVD. RESULTS Data from 563 individuals (60.2% women) aged 40 to 74 years who participated in the check-ups throughout the study period was analysed. After adjusting for covariates, no statistically significant change was identified in the CVD risk score postaccident in both sexes, which may suggest no obvious medium-term health impact of the Fukushima nuclear accident on CVD risk. The risk factors for CVD and their magnitude and direction (positive/negative) did not change after the accident. CONCLUSIONS There was no obvious increase in CVD risks in Minamisoma city, which may indicate successful management of health risks associated with CVD in the study sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Toda
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nomura
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stuart Gilmour
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaharu Tsubokura
- Department of Radiation Protection, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Oikawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Minamisoma, Japan
| | - Kiwon Lee
- International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP), Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Grace Y Kiyabu
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Creativ-Ceutical K.K, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Shibuya
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Various reports have shown that internal and external exposure levels of local residents after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were very low. However, there are serious postdisaster health effects in the form of increased prevalence of diabetes and other chronic conditions. Stress, changes in the social environment and in living arrangements, and disruption in healthcare support provided by a network of people have resulted in increasing the cost of care and changing patients' behaviour, such as delay in visiting a hospital. In addition to radiation protection, it is necessary, when looking after the health of Fukushima residents, to focus on human networking, social infrastructure, and protection of culture and history that are intangible, and not to overlook their roles in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tsubokura
- Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, 2-54-6 Takamicho, Haramachi-ku, Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
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