Perceptions of lifestyles changes in people with type 1 diabetes during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in Chile

ABSTRACT

Introduction: It is unknown if lifestyles changes forced by SARSCOV- 2 interfere with the treatment in people with T1D. Objectives: To assess the perceptions of lifestyle changes in patients with T1D during the pandemic in Chile. Methods: A specific survey was created and piloted. It was distributed by a national educational NGO during 2020 July and August. The instrument evaluated changes regarding the pre-pandemic habits in alimentation, sleep, physical activity, and emotionality through a Likert questions Results: 776 people with T1D or their parents answered. The median age was 12 years (range 2-68). 44% referred care in child/youth centers. 51% were from public health and 49% from private. The average of last HbA1c recorded was 6.9%. 40% referred economic burden during the pandemic and 30% have participated in diabetes support networks. 36% of surveyed reported they maintain pre-pandemic routine, while 51% generated a new routine. 81% reported practicing less physical activity during the period and 9% more. 35% of people believe that they eat more and 12% less, being less healthy for 26% and healthier for 13%. 41% report they modified their sleep “many times” or “always” and 30% report problems falling asleep;66% refer the change has impacted their treatment. 51% report emotions that interfered with treatment-related behavior. 49% report anger, 46% frustration, 46% sadness and 43% nervousness. Change of routine also generated positives aspects 46% referred more time with the family, 22% more supervision and 17% restructuring of schedules;14% reported they do not see any positive aspects. Conclusions: People with T1D in Chile changed their lifestyle during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Alimentation, physical activity, and sleep have been disadvantaged aspects. Negative emotions are experienced by half of the respondents, interfering with diabetes care. Despite this, there are positive aspects that have emerged. It must be evaluated whether these factors will condition a change in the metabolic control of these persons.