Lockdown and diabetes–what actually happened?

Abstract

Proper glycemic control is important in diabetes management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown restrictions led to increased stress and hampered the daily living of many individuals. The evidence available on the impact of the pandemic on diabetes management is predominantly from cities and through online mode. Teleconsultation is an option to be made available to rural areas as well. During the lockdown, reaching out to the doctor and procurement of medications was a huge task for the underprivileged and inadequately addressed. There have been reports claiming that glycemic control even improved during the lockdown from cities. Family practitioners are silently upholding the backbone of the nation's primary healthcare even at times of crisis. Further research activities need to be fostered even in the less accessible areas to identify the gaps and correct them.

Seeking laboratory investigations by diabetic patients during COVID-19 lockdown of Eastern Nepal

“…A recent meta-analysis confirmed that there is a concomitantly lower level of awareness (52.7%), treatment (45.3%), and glycemic control (36.7%) prevalent in diabetic population under antidiabetic treatment in Nepal [3]. Lockdown has shown a negative impact on glycemic control and worsened the complication due to DM [4]. Nepal had a lockdown approximately for a period of 4 months as the COVID-19 cases were on upsurge [2].…”

“…The nation-wide lockdown is a crucial step to prevent the transmission of infection during the pandemic [1]. But there is a high possibility of the lockdown to affect the chronic disease patients like DM in terms of deterioration of glycemic control and disease-associated risk [4]. Also, confinement in the specific space, erratic diet, increased stress, restriction in continuing the physical activities could be the other possibilities for the poor glycemic control [4].…”

“…But there is a high possibility of the lockdown to affect the chronic disease patients like DM in terms of deterioration of glycemic control and disease-associated risk [4]. Also, confinement in the specific space, erratic diet, increased stress, restriction in continuing the physical activities could be the other possibilities for the poor glycemic control [4]. In addition, decreased transportation facilities prevent the patient to seek the medical help and undergo routine laboratory investigations at their required follow-up schedule [4].…”

“…Also, confinement in the specific space, erratic diet, increased stress, restriction in continuing the physical activities could be the other possibilities for the poor glycemic control [4]. In addition, decreased transportation facilities prevent the patient to seek the medical help and undergo routine laboratory investigations at their required follow-up schedule [4]. Laboratories in developing countries like Nepal import major proportion of chemicals and reagents from abroad.…”