Control metabólico y recursos tecnológicos de niños con diabetes durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Metabolic control and technological resources for children with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN

Introducción: La diabetes en pacientes con COVID-19 se asocia a mayor morbilidad y mortalidad. El aislamiento social podría dificultar el acceso a la atención e insumos médicos. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el control glucémico durante la pandemia y los recursos médicos y tecnológicos disponibles. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, analítico y transversal. Se analizaron los resultados de una encuesta realizada a pacientes diabéticos del Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan. Se indagó infección por coronavirus, proximidad geográfica, control metabólico, cobertura, insumos y conectividad. Resultados: No se informaron casos de COVID-19. El 52,9% vivía a más de dos horas de viaje. El 95,7% realizó 4 o más glucemias diarias, el 12,8% estuvo en el rango glucémico ideal de 70-140 mg%, el 75,2% entre 140-250 mg% y el 12% por encima de 250 mg%. El 6,8% presentó cetosis y el 3,4% hipoglucemia severa. El 17,9% refirió dificultades para conseguir insumos. Todos poseían internet, 12% con limitaciones. El 10% que vivía a 2 o más horas del hospital estuvo en rango ideal vs. 28% de los que vivían más cerca (p=0,02). El 96,4% de los que retiraron insumos de su cobertura social o provincial alcanzaron un control metabólico aceptable (70-250 mg%) vs. 79,5% de los que lo hicieron en el hospital. (p=0,0002). Conclusiones: La mayoría presentó un control metabólico aceptable. La distancia y las dificultades de disponibilidad de insumos, se asociaron a peor control glucémico. La conectividad y recursos tecnológicos son limitados (AU)

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In patients with diabetes who are infected with COVID-19, the latter is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Social isolation may complicate access to care and medical supplies. Our aim was to describe glycemic control during the pandemic and the medical and technological resources available. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study. The results of a survey conducted in patients with diabetes seen at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan were analyzed. Coronavirus infection, geographic proximity to the hospital, metabolic control, healthcare coverage, supplies, and connectivity were investigated. Results: No cases of COVID-19 were reported. Overall, 52.9% lived more than two hours travel from the hospital; 95.7% performed four or more daily capillary blood glucose measurements; in 12.8% blood glucose was within the target range of 70-140 mg%, in 75.2% it was between 140-250 mg%, and in 12% above 250 mg%; 6.8% had ketosis and 3.4% severe hypoglycemia. Overall, 17.9% reported difficulties in obtaining medical supplies. All had internet access, although 12% with limitations. Ten percent of the patients who lived 2 or more hours from the hospital had blood glucose levels within the target range vs. 28% of those who lived closer (p=0.02); 96.4% of those who received diabetes supplies from their social or provincial insurance achieved acceptable metabolic control (70-250 mg%) vs. 79.5% of those who did so from the hospital (p=0,0002). Conclusions: The majority of patients had acceptable metabolic control. Distance and difficulties in the availability of supplies were associated with worse glycemic control. Connectivity and technological resources are limited (AU)