How COVID-19 Has Affected Diabetes Management in Older Adults

COVID-19 has impacted the way many of us do life. From exercising habits to the increase in knowledge on the importance of nutrition and increasing our immune system, a lot of research and information was revealed to the public that opened the space for us to ask more questions. From lockdowns to mask wearing, the timeframe in which our world changed also invoked some fear in people as well. For those with certain medical conditions, there may have also been a decline or change in their disease management. A recent study in Korea analyzed the effects of social distancing on diabetes management in the older adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. In type 1 diabetes genetics is the primary cause and the body is attacking the insulin produced in the body while type 2 diabetes is when there is a deficiency in insulin production. Typically, blood sugar rises after the consumption of food and when insulin is sufficient, glucose released from food is typically broken down by insulin. Insulin helps control the bodies blood sugar so without insulin, blood sugar levels will rise. Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed through lifestyle changes like physical exercise, medication, and diet.

During the study, they analyzed 246 people from age 60 to 90 years old. They measured their A1c, which (through the blood) measures diabetes management over the past three months, fasting glucose (blood sugar levels prior to eating) and bodyweight change. The participants were studied for a total of 1 year from July 2019 to July 2020. The results of the study showed a decline with diabetes management during the pandemic as the A1c levels and fasting glucose levels worsened over a year and an average of all the participants showed weight gain as well. The weight change was primarily attributed to a decrease in physical exercise. The possible reason for this occurrence is that during this time, many people were uncomfortable going outside or to public spaces, especially the older adult population as they tend to have a higher risk of hospitalization and mortality if diagnosed with COVID-19. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to speak to a health professional like a dietitian or diabetes educator to discuss and play ways in which diabetes management is attainable in the midst of a world with so much uncertainty. The primary goal of these professionals is to make sure that your health and wellness comes first!

Reference article: 10.4093/dmj.2021.0096