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Mochizuki S, Miura J, Takagi S, Takita M, Takaike H, Babazono T. Impact of the State of Emergency Declaration for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Pandemic Suppression on Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Intern Med 2024; 63:1197-1205. [PMID: 38369358 PMCID: PMC11116012 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2703-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the impact of lifestyle changes caused by the first emergency declaration issued in 2020 on glycemic control and body weight changes in Japanese individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods This study included Japanese individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus who visited Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital between January 2019 and September 2020 (n=278). Seasonal changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and the body mass index (BMI) were compared. A self-administered questionnaire regarding changes in treatment, diet, exercise, sleep, and telecommuting was used to assess lifestyle changes. Results Although HbA1c levels decreased from winter to summer in 2019 and 2020, the annual change was slightly but significantly greater in 2020 than in 2019. Seasonal changes in the BMI between 2019 and 2020 were also significantly different. An increase in the daily insulin dose, overall blood glucose level, diurnal change in blood glucose level, and food intake were significantly associated with increased HbA1c levels. Furthermore, HbA1c levels decreased with increasing moderate physical activity and sleep duration. The change in the BMI increased with increasing insulin dose, overall high blood glucose levels, and food intake. However, an increase in moderate physical activity was associated with a decrease in the BMI. HbA1c levels were significantly lower after the first emergency declaration in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus than that before the emergency declaration, even after accounting for seasonal variations. Conclusion Decreased HbA1c levels were associated with a decreased food intake, increased moderate exercise, and increased sleep duration during the state of emergency. The BMI remained relatively unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Mochizuki
- Division of Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Junnosuke Miura
- Division of Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takagi
- Division of Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mikako Takita
- Division of Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiroko Takaike
- Division of Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Babazono
- Division of Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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Mitsuhashi T. Heterogeneity of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome onset at a Japanese campus. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17013. [PMID: 38590703 PMCID: PMC11000644 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China in December 2019, with the World Health Organization declaring a state of emergency in January 2020. Worldwide implementation of lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus led to reduced physical activity, disrupted eating habits, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances, which increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, especially intensive care workers, experienced longer working hours and burnout, which further increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Accordingly, it is important to identify individuals at a risk of new-onset MetS during a pandemic, which could direct preventive interventions. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of new-onset MetS based on the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) and to identify at-risk populations. Methods This study analyzed health checkup data obtained from Okayama University Shikata Campus workers using paired baseline and follow-up years. Baseline data encompassed 2017 to 2019, with respective follow-up data from 2018 to 2020. Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan began in January 2020, workers who underwent follow-up health checkups in 2018 to 2019 and 2020 were considered as "unexposed" and "exposed," respectively. As the Shikata campus has several departments, comparisons among departments were made. The primary outcome was new-onset MetS at follow-up. Predictor variables included baseline health checkup results, sex, age, and department (administrative, research, medical, or intensive care department). X-learner was used to calculate the CATE. Results This study included 3,572 eligible individuals (unexposed, n = 2,181; exposed, n = 1,391). Among them, 1,544 (70.8%) and 866 (62.3%) participants in the unexposed and exposed groups, respectively, were females. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the unexposed and exposed groups was 48.2 ± 8.2 and 47.8 ± 8.3 years, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the average probability of new-onset MetS by 4.4% in the overall population. According to the department, the intensive care department showed the highest CATE, with a 15.4% increase. Moreover, there was large heterogeneity according to the department. The high-CATE group was characterized by older age, urinary protein, elevated liver enzymes, higher triglyceride levels, and a history of hyperlipidemia treatment. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the incidence of new-onset MetS, with this effect showing heterogeneity at a single Japanese campus. Regarding specific populations, workers in the intensive care department showed an increased risk of new-onset MetS. At-risk populations require specific preventive interventions in case the current COVID-19 pandemic persists or a new pandemic occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiharu Mitsuhashi
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan
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Shimada Y, Misawa W. Quantifying Urban-Rural Inequality in Access to Telemedicine: Descriptive Analysis of Telemedicine Uses and Providers in Japan Under COVID-19. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:563-569. [PMID: 37585567 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has reportedly resulted in disparities in the use of telemedicine due to several socioeconomic factors. While telemedicine was developed to overcome geographical distance, under COVID-19 telemedicine conversely might have deepened the urban-rural telemedicine divide. Especially in Japan, the authority has virtually regulated distant telemedicine use, which favored telemedicine providers who are located in close proximity to patients. This study aimed to quantify the urban-rural disparity in access to telemedicine and investigate heterogeneity between devices (phone and video visits). Methods: We used two nationally comprehensive data sources in Japan. One was a municipality-level telemedicine provider database. Municipality-provider-level analysis intended to measure the uneven distribution of telemedicine providers compared to usual health care providers as well as the difference among clinical departments. The second source was prefecture-level telemedicine utilization data. Prefecture-utilization-level analysis aimed to quantify how the use of telemedicine converged in urban areas. We investigated the heterogeneity between types of devices and time periods. To measure inequality, this study used the Lorenz Curve and Gini coefficients. Ethical review was not required. Results: The data included 16,927 providers (14,111 clinics and 2,816 hospitals) and 88,952 first visits throughout Japan. The main findings were the geographically converged distribution of telemedicine providers compared with overall providers who were not limited to telemedicine and, possibly as a result of it, the geographically unequal utilization of telemedicine compared with in-person visits. Furthermore, video visits were more unequally utilized than phone visits, let alone in-person visits. The disparity was not resolved over time, which implied a systematic cause. Conclusion: Using comprehensive nationwide data, this study revealed geographical inequality relating to access to telemedicine under the COVID-19 special deregulation in Japan. While telemedicine initially aimed to provide access to care for people in rural areas, several factors, including the digital divide, COVID-19, and the Japanese policy, paradoxically could have caused this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhei Shimada
- Department of Public Administration, Graduate School of Law and Politics, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wakako Misawa
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Safikhani M, Rezaieyazdi Z, Khodashahi M. Evaluation of assessable telemedicine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15007. [PMID: 38287561 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nowadays, the use of telemedicine diagnosis and treatment of various diseases has been considered by physicians, especially in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where patients have more weakness and inability to move. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the extent of measurable and nonmeasurable factors in patients with RA and their satisfaction with this method of care. METHODS The articles published by March 3, 2022, were searched in four databases, including Web of Sciences, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. This research was conducted using the seven steps of the Cochrane Handbook as a guide. The searched keywords included telemedicine, tele-rheumatoid, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune diseases. RESULTS A total of 18 articles were included in the present study. In most of these studies, physicians and patients were satisfied with this approach. Nonetheless, there was a dearth of studies on the measurement of evaluable and nonevaluable factors. CONCLUSION Studies on the benefits of telemedicine for rheumatology are still limited. The effectiveness of this new healthcare approach in diagnosing and evaluating disease activity is still unclear. Some studies demonstrated patient and physician satisfaction with this treatment. In some cases, there is a tendency to show a high risk of bias. In addition, it is unclear to what extent the use of rheumatology traps affects the establishment of medical relationships. It is recommended that more clinical trials be conducted to examine this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Safikhani
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaieyazdi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mandana Khodashahi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Uno-Eder K, Satoh-Asahara N, Hibiya M, Uno K, Uchino T, Morita K, Ishikawa T, Kaneko T, Yamakage H, Kitaoka Y, Sawa T, Tsukamoto K, Teramoto T. Understanding impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on glycemic control for patients with diabetes in Japan. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:1695-1703. [PMID: 37975143 PMCID: PMC10638246 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01302-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study evaluated the changes in the status of glycemic control and lipid management in patients with diabetes under COVID-19 containment restrictions, in order to better understand the impacts of events causing lifestyle restrictions. Patient characteristics with worsened glycemic control were also assessed. Methods We conducted a retrospective and observational cohort study using the electronic health records of 5,169 patients with diabetes seeking medical care in two healthcare centers. Laboratory test results including glycemic and lipid goal attainment rates were compared between pre-COVID-19 (January to December 2019) and the first wave of COVID-19 (February to June 2020). Multiple regression models were used to evaluate the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline and during the first wave with covariates such as concomitant medications and comorbidities. Results The HbA1c goal achievement rate improved significantly from 39.0% to 43.1% (p < 0.0001) overall, and more patients reached their glycemic target during COVID-19 restrictions. No significant changes were observed in lipid control. An indexed change in HbA1c level showed that glycemic control improved in 2,230 patients and worsened in 1,619 patients. Administration of insulin, GLP-1, and sulfonylureas were each identified as factors correlated with elevated HbA1c, during the first wave of COVID-19. Conclusion Although the glycemic control in patients with diabetes improved overall under COVID-19 restrictions, those on insulin, GLP-1, or sulfonylureas worsened. These findings suggest the need to better understand what drives differences in glycemic control to better support people with diabetes for future epidemiological outbreaks. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01302-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoko Uno-Eder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Teikyo Academic Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Satoh-Asahara
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Manabu Hibiya
- Teikyo Academic Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Uno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Uchino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Morita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Ishikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Kaneko
- Teikyo Academic Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Yamakage
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Kitaoka
- Medical Informatics Department, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sawa
- Medical Information System Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Tsukamoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamio Teramoto
- Teikyo Academic Research Center, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
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Bouchi R, Sugiyama T, Goto A, Ohsugi M, Yoshioka N, Katagiri H, Mita T, Hirota Y, Ikegami H, Matsuhisa M, Araki E, Yokoyama H, Minami M, Yamazaki K, Jinnouchi H, Ikeda H, Fujii H, Nogawa M, Kaneshige M, Miyo K, Ueki K. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral changes and glycemic control and a survey of telemedicine in patients with diabetes: A multicenter retrospective observational study. J Diabetes Investig 2023; 14:994-1004. [PMID: 37183588 PMCID: PMC10360386 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS/INTRODUCTION To investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected behavioral changes and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and to conduct a survey of telemedicine during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, a total of 2,348 patients were included from 15 medical facilities. Patients were surveyed about their lifestyle changes and attitudes toward telemedicine. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were compared among before (from June 1 to August 31, 2019) and in the first (from June 1 to August 31, 2020) and in the second (from June 1 to August 31, 2021) year of the pandemic. A survey of physician attitudes toward telemedicine was also conducted. RESULTS The HbA1c levels were comparable between 2019 (7.27 ± 0.97%), 2020 (7.28 ± 0.92%), and 2021 (7.25 ± 0.94%) without statistical difference between each of those 3 years. Prescriptions for diabetes medications increased during the period. The frequency of eating out was drastically reduced (51.7% in 2019; 30.1% in 2020), and physical activity decreased during the pandemic (48.1% in 2019; 41.4% in 2020; 43.3% in 2021). Both patients and physicians cited increased convenience and reduced risk of infection as their expectations for telemedicine, while the lack of physician-patient interaction and the impossibility of consultation and examination were cited as sources of concern. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that glycemic control did not deteriorate during the COVID-19 pandemic with appropriate intensification of diabetes treatment in patients with diabetes who continued to attend specialized diabetes care facilities, and that patients and physicians shared the same expectations and concerns about telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryotaro Bouchi
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center HospitalNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research InstituteNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Takehiro Sugiyama
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research InstituteNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
- Department of Public Health/Health Policy, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Goto
- Department of Health Data Science, Graduate School of Data ScienceYokohama City UniversityYokohamaJapan
| | - Mitsuru Ohsugi
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center HospitalNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research InstituteNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
| | | | - Hideki Katagiri
- Department of Metabolism and DiabetesTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Tomoya Mita
- Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Graduate School of MedicineJuntendo UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yushi Hirota
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal MedicineKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Hiroshi Ikegami
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and DiabetesKindai University Faculty of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Munehide Matsuhisa
- Diabetes Therapeutics and Research Center, Institute of Advanced Medical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Eiichi Araki
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Life SciencesKumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | | | - Masae Minami
- Minami Diabetes Clinical Research CenterFukuokaJapan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kengo Miyo
- Center for Medical Informatics IntelligenceNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kohjiro Ueki
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center HospitalNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
- Diabetes Research CenterNational Center for Global Health and MedicineTokyoJapan
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Chobot A, Lanzinger S, Alkandari H, Todd Alonso G, Blauensteiner N, Coles N, De Sanctis L, Mul D, Saboo B, Smart C, Tsai MC, Zabeen B, Dovc K. Diabetes care practices and outcomes in 40.000 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes from the SWEET registry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2023:110809. [PMID: 37385473 PMCID: PMC10293122 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.110809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to provide a global insight into initiatives in type 1 diabetes care driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and associations with glycemic outcomes. METHODS An online questionnaire regarding diabetes care before and during the pandemic was sent to all centers (n=97, 66,985 youth with type 1 diabetes) active in the SWEET registry. Eighty-two responded, and 70 (42,798 youth with type 1 diabetes) had available data (from individuals with type 1 diabetes duration >3 months, aged ≤21 years) for all 4 years from 2018 to 2021. Statistical models were adjusted, among others, for technology use. RESULTS Sixty-five centers provided telemedicine during COVID-19. Among those centers naive to telemedicine before the pandemic (n=22), four continued only face-to-face visits. Centers that transitioned partially to telemedicine (n=32) showed a steady increase in HbA1c between 2018 and 2021 (p<0.001). Those that transitioned mainly to telemedicine (n=33%) improved HbA1c in 2021 compared to 2018 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Changes to models of care delivery driven by the pandemic showed significant associations with HbA1c shortly after the pandemic outbreak and 2 years of follow-up. The association appeared independent of the concomitant increase in technology use among youth with type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Chobot
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Opole, Department of Pediatrics, Opole, Poland; University Clinical Hospital in Opole, Department of Pediatrics, Opole, Poland.
| | - Stefanie Lanzinger
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, ZIBMT, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hessa Alkandari
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Department of Populational Health, Kuwait
| | - G Todd Alonso
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Barbara Davis Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicole Blauensteiner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Coles
- Markham Stouffville Hospital, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luisa De Sanctis
- Regina Margherita Children Hospital, Torino - Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Dick Mul
- Diabeter, centre for pediatric and adult diabetes care and research, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Banshi Saboo
- Diabetes Care & Hormone Clinic, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Carmel Smart
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, John Hunter Children's Hospital and School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meng-Che Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bedowra Zabeen
- BADAS Paediatric Diabetes Care and Research Center, BIRDEM Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Klemen Dovc
- University Medical Center Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Impact of Japan's State of Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trends in Diabetes Care: A Descriptive and Retrospective Study. Clin Pract 2023; 13:148-154. [PMID: 36648853 PMCID: PMC9844440 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the impact of Japan's state of emergency on trends in diabetes care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DESIGN A descriptive and retrospective study. SETTING Showa University Hospital, Japan. PARTICIPANTS Patients with diabetes who received medical treatment from 2018 to 2020. Determinants of interest: Number of patients with diabetes visiting the hospital per week. To examine the impact of the Japan's state of emergency, the number of hospital visitations by patients with diabetes was summarized from 28 weeks of data for each year, from calendar week 8 to calender week 35. RESULTS Compared with the mean of 2018 and 2019, no significant difference was found between the three periods (before, during, and after the state of emergency). However, the numbers of patients from both inside and outside Tokyo increased at 7 weeks after the state of emergency was lifted. CONCLUSIONS A significant increase in the numbers of patients with diabetes was seen compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019, suggesting that the state of emergency may have hindered diabetes care. Therefore, patients with diabetes should receive continuous follow-up regarding their diabetes care, keeping a close eye on relvent measurements.
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