Glycaemic control during the lockdown for COVID-19 in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis of observational studies.

AIMS: To assess the effects of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on glucose metrics, measured by glucose monitoring systems, in adult individuals with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search for English language articles from MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science up to February 28, 2021, using "diabetes", "lockdown", and "glucose" as key search terms. Time in range (TIR) was the main outcome; other metrics were time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), mean blood glucose (MBG) and its variability (%CV), estimated HbA1c (eA1c) or glucose management indicator (GMI). RESULTS: Seventeen studies for a total of 3,441 individuals with type 1 diabetes were included in the analysis. In the lockdown period, TIR 70-180 mg/dl increased by 3.05% (95% CI 1.67-4.43%; p < 0.0001) while TAR (>180 mg/dL and > 250 mg/dL) declined by 3.39% (-5.14 to -1.63%) and 1.96% (-2.51 to -1.42%), respectively (p < 0.0001 for both). Both TBR < 70 and <54 mg/dL remained unchanged. MBG slightly decreased by 5.40 mg/dL (-7.29 to -3.51 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) along with a reduction in %CV. Pooled eA1c and GMI decreased by 0.18% (-0.24 to -0.11%; p < 0.0001) and a similar reduction was observed when GMI alone was considered (0.15%, -0.23 to -0.07%; p < 0.0001). Sensor use was only slightly but not significantly reduced during lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that well-controlled people with type 1 diabetes on both MDI and CSII with continuous or flash glucose monitoring did not experience a deterioration in glucose control throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, showing a modest, though statistically significant improvement in many glucose control parameters.

Type 1 diabetes and COVID-19: The "lockdown effect".

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect the lockdown imposed during COVID-19 outbreak on the glycemic control of people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) using Continuous (CGM) or Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed glucose reading obtained by FGM or CGM in T1D subjects. Sensor data from 2 weeks before the lockdown (Period 0, P0), 2 weeks immediately after the lockdown (period 1, P1), in mid-lockdown (Period 2, P2) and immediately after end of lockdown (Period 3, P3) were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 63 T1D patients, (FGM: 52, 82%; CGM:11, 18%). Sensor use (91%) were slightly reduced. Despite this reduction, Time in Range increased in P1 (62%), P2 (61%) and P3 (62%) as compared to P0 (58%, all p < 0.05 or less) with concomitant reduction in the Time Above Range (P0: 38%; P1: 34%, P2: 34%, P3: 32%, all p < 0.05 or less vs. P0). Average glucose and GMI improved achieving statistical difference in P3 (165 vs. 158 mg/dl, p = 0.040 and 7.2% (55 mmol/mol) vs. 7.0% (53 mmol/mol), p = 0.016) compared to P0. Time Below Range (TBR) and overall glucose variability remained unchanged. Bi-hourly analysis of glucose profile showed an improvement particularly in the early morning hours. CONCLUSIONS: In T1D subjects with good glycemic control on CGM or FGM, the lockdown had no negative impact. Rather a modest but significant improvement in glycemic control has been recorded, most likely reflecting more regular daily life activities and reduces work-related distress.