Diabetes Outcomes in COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Diabetes management and follow-up has become a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nation-wide lockdowns and social distancing measures adopted in an attempt to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission have significantly disrupted routine care and follow-up of diabetes. In the health sector, especially in low-income countries such as Pakistan, there has been a shift of resources and staff reassignment from stable chronic illnesses to support COVID-19 pandemic. Disruption of routine outpatient health services and travel restrictions increase the risk of worsening diabetes control and diabetes-related health outcomes. Additionally, social isolation amidst an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty contributes to stress further affecting glycaemic control.

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using telephone interview method in Diabetes Management Centre (DMC), Services hospital, Lahore. The study participants were 1282 diabetic patients selected randomly from electronic medical record (EMR) database of the Centre. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate parameters which included patients' demographic information; diabetes self-care and general health profile; COVID-related questions and its impact on quality of life (QoL); financial and social support issues.

Conditions

Eligibility