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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on glycemic control of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, two point observational study from a tertiary care center of low middle income country
Pediatric Diabetes ; 23(Supplement 31):47, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2137173
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

COVID-19 impacted lives of people globally, especially with chronic conditions like Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Since its emergence and increase, pandemic restrictions were imposed in Pakistan too to counter infection and prevent spread. This situation posed challenges for T1DM children causing significant lifestyle changes, psychosocial distress, difficult medication access, monitoring, and physician follow-up. This study was planned to see how restrictions and adjustments in health care affected T1DM children by comparing glycemic control prior to and following pandemic. Objective(s) To evaluate impact of COVID-19 on glycemic control of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Method(s) A 2 point observational cross sectional study was done in 139 T1DM children 10-18 years enrolled in pediatric endocrine clinic of Aga Khan University with disease duration >6 months. Demographics, clinic visits (pre and during pandemic) last HbA1c value before and last value during pandemic were recorded in structured questionnaire at 2 time points (Post pandemic face to face interview between Feb and April 2022 at follow up visit, pre pandemic data from hospital medical records between Sep 2019 and Feb 2020). Paired t-test was used to compare HbA1c values and number of clinic visits before and after. Result(s) Out of 139 patients, 45% were male, 55% females. Mean age was 13.7 years. Mean HbA1c value increased from 8.7% during 6 months preceding pandemic restrictions to 9.5% during pandemic and difference was statistically significant (p-value 0.002) using paired T test. Mean clinic visits reduced from 3 visits/year pre-COVID to 1 visit/year during pandemic. This difference was also statistically significant (p value 0.000). Conclusion(s) This study demonstrates significantly negative impact of pandemic on glycemic control of children with T1DM, a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring and follow-up. Barriers in continuity of healthcare due to restrictions reflected by less clinic visits during pandemic highlights importance of telemedicine services as well.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Pediatric Diabetes Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Pediatric Diabetes Year: 2022 Document Type: Article