Glycemic control among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of lockdown significantly impacted glycemic control.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on glycemic control among Egyptian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted through an online questionnaire. The participants were patients with type 1 diabetes and/or their caregivers.

Results: A total of 115 valid responses to the questionnaire were received. During the lockdown, almost 64% of patients showed worsening of their HbA1C with significant increment of HbA1c after the lockdown (p < 0.001). Synchronous simple telemedicine service was initiated through phone calls and social media applications, and 97% of the patients and their families were successfully able to continue follow-up. Almost 76% of the patients/caregivers showed moderate stress which was significantly correlated with HbA1C (p < 0.05). Fear of hospital admission and fear from shortage of medical supplies were the main COVID-19-related worries.

Conclusion: The lockdown negatively impacted glycemic control and initiated a set of COVID-19 worries and stress among patients and their caregivers in Egypt. Telemedicine service, even simple tools, is effective and important for the continuity of care among patients. The limited availability and the fear of shortage of medical supply forced patients to ration glucose monitoring.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13410-021-00968-y.

Keywords: COVID-19; Lockdown; Telemedicine; Type 1 diabetes.