COVID-19 associated with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases led to a global health crisis

Abstract

COVID-19 has gravely threatened high-risk populations, such as people with diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases, leading to disproportionate hospitalizations, longer and repeated hospital stays and deaths among these individuals worldwide. It is well documented from previous outbreaks that diabetes increases the risk for poor outcomes due to SARS infection. In the present review, we bring evidence that country and global level health crisis caused by COVID-19 could have been avoided or highly minimized if measures to protect high-risk populations were implemented timely. In addition to general lockdowns, testing, tracing, isolation and hygiene measures, other specific interventions for diabetes and comorbidities management were key to allow the continuation of care services during the pandemic. These interventions included: teleconsultation, digital remote education/monitoring, e-prescription/medicine delivery options, mobile clinics, home HbA1c and albumin-creatinine tests. In this article, we recommend prompt actions to protect the most vulnerable groups, valuing knowledge and experiences from previous outbreaks and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to shield communities, health systems and the global economy.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-management in patients with type 2 diabetics

“…In this time, many diabetics have chosen to delay or cancel their health service appointments. This may lead to a reduction in the support which diabetic individuals need to manage their disease and to an increase in the risk of developing complications [6]. In a study by Sayeed et al [14], sociodemographic characteristics of the participants such as age, gender, marital status, and time since diabetes diagnosis were similar to those in our study.…”

“…The restrictions brought in to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a repositioning of health service resources and an interruption of access to care during the pandemic. Strict isolation has had a greater effect on people with non-infectious diseases who need constant care and support [6]. In this way, there is concern in Turkey as to how the measures and restrictions regarding COVID-19 are affecting the self-care of individuals with type 2 diabetes.…”

“…In order to protect themselves during the outbreak, diabetic patients are spending more time indoors. Measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and social distancing restrictions have made it difficult for people with diabetes to exercise regularly and remain physically active [3,6]. In this time, many diabetics have chosen to delay or cancel their health service appointments.…”

“…Item 16 is not included in any subscales. The scale includes four subscales: glucose management (1,4,6,10,12), diet control (2,5,9,13), physical activity (8,11,15), and use of health services (3,7,14).…”

“…There are 463 million people with diabetes in the world [6]. It is estimated that the prevalence of diabetes will rise to 10.2% (578 million) by 2045, and to 10.9% (700 million) by 2045 [7].…”