The impact of COVID lockdown on glycaemic control in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 observational studies

Age-dependent effects of lockdown and post-lockdown periods on HbA1c during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 3-year longitudinal cohort study

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lockdown measures on the metabolic parameters of patients with DM, with particular emphasis on geriatric populations. In this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, 1224 patients were analyzed. Three periods were identified to examine the effects of the lockdown: pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown. Each period spanned 1-year. Within each 1-year period, at least 2 measurements were taken at least 3 months apart, and their arithmetic mean was calculated. Only patients who presented to the hospital for DM management during all 3 periods were included in the study. While HbA1c levels significantly increased in patients over 65 years old during the lockdown period (P = .017), we observed a significant decrease in HbA1c levels in patients under 65 years old (P = .014). Upon further stratification of patients over 65 by age groups, HbA1c levels increased the most among those aged 75 to 85 years, with a significant rise also observed in those aged 65 to 75 years during the lockdown. However, there was no change in HbA1c levels for patients over 85 years old during the lockdown. These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of elderly patients with DM during lockdown periods, facilitated via home care or telehealth services. Structured diet and exercise programs should also be provided for at home adherence.

Biochemical and Anthropometric Outcomes in Paediatric Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia after COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: An Exploratory Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns affected the lifestyles of children and adolescents, leading to an increase in childhood obesity. Paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may be more susceptible to lockdown effects due to their increased cardiovascular risk. However, data are lacking. We investigated the effect of lockdowns on the metabolic profile of paediatric patients with FH. Blood lipids and anthropometry measured in September 2021-April 2022 were retrospectively compared with pre-pandemic values. Thirty participants were included (1-16 years; 57% female). From baseline to post-pandemic, median [P25, P75] blood LDL-C concentration was 125 [112, 150] mg/dL vs. 125 [100, 147] mg/dL (p = 0.894); HDL-C was 58 [52, 65] mg/dL vs. 56 [51, 61] mg/dL (p = 0.107); triglycerides were 64 [44, 86] mg/dL vs. 59 [42, 86] mg/dL (p = 0.178). The BMI z-score did not change significantly (0.19 [-0.58, 0.89] vs. 0.30 [-0.48, 1.10], p = 0.524). The lack of deterioration in metabolic profiles during lockdowns is positive, as some deterioration was expected. We speculate that patients and caregivers were successfully educated about healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Our results should be interpreted with caution since the study sample was small and heterogeneous. Multicentre research is needed to better understand the impact of lockdowns on this population.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the achievement of guideline targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol in people with diabetes in Japan

Objective

In this study, we investigated whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected achievement of guideline targets for HbA1c, blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in people with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and methods

Data for 556 people with DM who were treated regularly for 4 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan were analyzed in this retrospective study. Achieved targets were defined as HbA1c < 7.0%, BP < 130/80 mmHg, and LDL cholesterol < 100 or < 120 mg/dL depending on the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.

Results

In 2019, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, achievement rates of guideline targets for HbA1c, BP and LDL cholesterol were 53.4%, 45.9% and 75.7%, respectively. In 2020, the achievement rates for HbA1c and BP targets were significantly decreased to 40.8% and 31.3%, respectively. The achievement rates for the HbA1c target gradually recovered to 49.3% in 2021 and to 51.1% in 2022. However, recovery in achieving the BP target was slow, remaining at 40.5% even in 2022. On the other hand, the achievement rate for the LDL cholesterol target was not affected and remained relatively high during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The rates of achieving therapeutic targets for HbA1c and BP have not been high enough in people with DM, and the rates were further reduced by lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there has been a trend toward improvement with the lifting of behavioral restrictions, more intensified treatment is necessary to achieve good control.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-024-00715-8.

Evidence linking COVID-19 and the health/well-being of children and adolescents: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Experiences during childhood and adolescence have enduring impacts on physical and mental well-being, overall quality of life, and socioeconomic status throughout one's lifetime. This underscores the importance of prioritizing the health of children and adolescents to establish an impactful healthcare system that benefits both individuals and society. It is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to examine the relationship between COVID-19 and the health of children and adolescents, as this understanding will guide the creation of interventions and policies for the long-term management of the virus.

METHODS

In this umbrella review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023401106), systematic reviews were identified from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; EMBASE (OvidSP); and MEDLINE (OvidSP) from December 2019 to February 2023. Pairwise and single-arm meta-analyses were extracted from the included systematic reviews. The methodological quality appraisal was completed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Single-arm meta-analyses were re-presented under six domains associated with COVID-19 condition. Pairwise meta-analyses were classified into five domains according to the evidence classification criteria. Rosenberg's FSN was calculated for both binary and continuous measures.

RESULTS

We identified 1551 single-arm and 301 pairwise meta-analyses from 124 systematic reviews that met our predefined criteria for inclusion. The focus of the meta-analytical evidence was predominantly on the physical outcomes of COVID-19, encompassing both single-arm and pairwise study designs. However, the quality of evidence and methodological rigor were suboptimal. Based on the evidence gathered from single-arm meta-analyses, we constructed an illustrative representation of the disease severity, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, we discovered 17 instances of strong or highly suggestive pairwise meta-analytical evidence concerning long-COVID, pediatric comorbidity, COVID-19 vaccines, mental health, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study advocate for the implementation of surveillance systems to track health consequences associated with COVID-19 and the establishment of multidisciplinary collaborative rehabilitation programs for affected younger populations. In future research endeavors, it is important to prioritize the investigation of non-physical outcomes to bridge the gap between research findings and clinical application in this field.

Retrospective Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Northern Taiwan

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the national lockdown had a significant impact on healthcare systems and diabetes management. The results of relevant studies were inconsistent. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of lockdown on glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2D) in Taiwan.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted in a single regional hospital in Northern Taiwan. The clinic characteristics of the patients were summarized. Anthropometric and biochemical data before and after the lockdown were collected and analyzed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the independent determinants of variables, including baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters, for the changes in glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c).

Results

A total of 943 (females 48.5%) patients with T2D were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 60.6±12.3years, with a mean HbA1c of 7.0±1.0%, a mean diabetes duration of 7.3±4.6years, and a mean body mass index(BMI) of 26.5±4.5kg/m2. The overall means of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose were significantly improved after the lockdown compared to before (7.0±1.0 vs 6.8±0.9, p<0.001 and 132.2±33.3 vs 124.4±30.0, p<0.001, respectively). The proportion of patients achieving HbA1c target (≤7%) was higher after the lockdown compared to before (61.5% vs 68.9%, p<0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that baseline HbA1c before the lockdown was a positive contributor to the change in HbA1c after the lockdown, whereas BMI and co-morbidity with dyslipidemia were negative contributors (standardized coefficient +0.16, p<0.001; -0.07, p=0.025; -0.12, p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study highlights the benefits of lockdown measures on diabetic control in Northern Taiwan as a single-center experience with the improvement of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose. Understanding these consequences of national lockdown can help healthcare providers to improve diabetes care during the pandemic.

Associations of Diabetes-related and Health-related Quality of Life With Glycemic Levels in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Preparing to Transition to Adult Care

OBJECTIVES

As adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) progress to adulthood, they assume responsibility for diabetes self-management while dealing with competing life demands, decreasing parental support, and the transfer to adult care. Lower perceived quality of life (QOL) may hamper diabetes management, which is associated with suboptimal glycemic levels. Our objective was to determine associations of diabetes- and health-related QOL with glycemic management (glycated hemoglobin [A1C]) in adolescents with T1D before their transfer to adult care.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Group Education Trial to Improve Transition (GET-IT- T1D) in adolescents with T1D (16 to 17 years of age). Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring diabetes-related QOL (PedsQL 3.2 Diabetes Module) and health-related QOL (PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales). Associations of QOL Total and subscale scores with A1C were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for sex, diabetes duration, socioeconomic status, insulin pump use, and mental health comorbidity.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-three adolescents with T1D were included (mean age, 16.5 [standard deviation, 0.3] years). Diabetes-related QOL Total scores (adjusted β=-0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.05 to -0.02) as well as subscale scores for Diabetes Symptoms (adjusted β=-0.02; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.00) and Diabetes Management (adjusted β=-0.04; 95% CI, -0.05 to -0.02) were inversely associated with A1C. Health-related QOL Total scores were not associated with A1C, but Psychosocial Health subscale scores were (adjusted β=-0.01; 95% CI, -0.03 to -0.00).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that strategies focussing on diabetes-related QOL and psychosocial health may help prepare adolescents for the increasing responsibility of diabetes self-care.

Endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 in children: A scoping review

In this review, we explore associations between SARS CoV-2 infection and the endocrine system and metabolism in children and adolescents. PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases were searched to identify published data on endocrine manifestations of COVID-19 in children up to 31 March 2023, including diabetes, obesity, puberty, thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders and pituitary disorders. Data on changes in disease pattern/ incidence, disease control, and other effects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as effects of pre-existing endocrine conditions on severity of COVID-19 infection are presented, and practice points and research needs provided under each section.

Multiple influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with diabetes: Changes in epidemiology, metabolic control and medical care

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has heavily affected health worldwide, with the various forms of diabetes in children experiencing changes at various levels, including epidemiology, diabetic ketoacidosis rates and medical care. Type 1 diabetes showed an apparent increase in incidence, possibly owing to a direct damage of the virus to the β-cell. Diabetic ketoacidosis also increased in association with the general fear of referring patients to the hospital. Most children with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) did not show a worsening in metabolic control during the first lockdown, possibly owing to a more controlled diet by their parents. Glucose sensor and hybrid closed loop pump technology proved to be effective in all patients with type 1 diabetes during the pandemic, especially because the downloading of data allowed for the practice of tele-medicine. Telemedicine has in fact grown around the world and National Health Systems have started to consider it as a routine activity in clinical practice. The present review encompasses all the aspects related to the effects of the pandemic on the different forms of diabetes in children.