Behavioral changes in patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aims/Introduction Amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency and urged people to stay at home to prevent disease transmission. Herein, we investigated this emergency situation’s effect on diabetes patients’ lifestyle and glycemic control M...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diabetology international 2021-04, Vol.12 (2), p.241-245
Main Authors: Kishimoto, Miyako, Ishikawa, Takuya, Odawara, Masato
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alcohol use
Behavior modification
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus
Diet
Disease transmission
Endocrinology
Exercise
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Metabolic Diseases
Pandemics
Physical activity
Short Communication
State of emergency
Telecommuting
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Summary:Aims/Introduction Amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency and urged people to stay at home to prevent disease transmission. Herein, we investigated this emergency situation’s effect on diabetes patients’ lifestyle and glycemic control Materials and methods Diabetes patients who visited our hospital between April 1 and June 13, 2020, for a regular consultation were asked about changes in their physical activities and dietary habits during the state of emergency period. Results Among 168 patients, 26 (15.5%) gained > 2 kg; HbA1c levels were elevated or decreased by > 0.2% compared to that at the last visit in 57 and 51 patients (Groups D and I), respectively. Group D patients were affected to a larger extent by changes in commuting (transition to teleworking) and closures of sport gyms than Group I patients. Increased snacks, sweets, total diet, and alcohol intake could have contributed to worsening of glucose control in Group D, whereas a healthy diet and less alcohol intake could have led to better glucose control in Group I. Conclusion During the state of emergency period, decreased physical activity levels negatively affected glycemic control. However, despite changes in physical activity level, maintaining or improving dietary habits could lead to better glycemic control in diabetes patients. During this COVID-19 pandemic, more diabetes patients are likely to shift to teleworking and stay home for longer periods. Therefore, we should develop effective and feasible measures to promote exercise and dietary therapy, especially for those who engage in teleworking.
ISSN:2190-1678
2190-1686
DOI:10.1007/s13340-020-00467-1