The impact of covid-19 in the glycemic control of children with type 1 diabetes during lockdown

Abstract

Introduction: In 2019, due to the global pandemic of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), measures were taken to reduce the negative consequences from the virus, including lockdown and social distancing worldwide. Patients with Diabetes type 1 (T1D) had to maintain a good level of glycemic control despite the subversive changes in their lives. Evenly important was the maintenance of glycemic control for children with T1D and their families, as they were isolated in their homes, dropped out of school and could no longer participate in their extracurricular activities.

Aim: To investigate the impact of the national lockdown cause to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on the glycemic profile of children with Diabetes type 1 who had or not, continuous glucose monitoring devices.

Material and method: A search has been conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct since January 2022, using the following keywords: “Children OR Adolescent”, “Glycemic control OR Diabetes type 1 OR Diabetes Mellitus”, “Quarantine OR Lockdown OR Covid-19”. The inclusion criteria of articles in the systematic review were the following: a. children aged 5-17 years, b. randomized and non-clinical trials, c. published till 2022, d. published in English, e. primary research, and f. full text articles.

Results: It was finally included 11 articles in the review against the 74 that initially had been found. Various parameters were associated with glycemic control of children with T1D during lockdown, such as changes in daily habits, diet, exercise, sedentary lifestyle, parental management, insurance, use of new technologies in diabetes management.

Conclusion: The restrictions associated with pandemic of COVID-19 had led to serious disruptions in the daily routine of people. The adherence to the treatment plan and the care of children with T1D depends on several factors. Thus, during the national lockdown we noticed the need of the technology adaptation to improve the monitoring of children’s glycemic profiles. These changes may give the impetus for more targeted and ongoing training through tele-monitoring and tele-consultation of children with T1D and their families by health professionals.