COVID-19 Lockdown Improves Glycemic Control in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Ajou University Hospital in South Korea have conducted a study investigating the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control among pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. The study examined the medical records of 47 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes who visited the hospital before and after the lockdown, and found that the mean HbA1c levels were significantly lower during the lockdown period compared to before. The study suggests that the lockdown, which resulted in changes to daily routines such as increased time at home and reduced physical activity, had a beneficial effect on blood glucose control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed the medical records of 47 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes who visited Ajou University Hospital before and after the lockdown, with 23 (49%) being female and an average age before the lockdown of 11.65±3.03 years.
  • The mean HbA1c levels were 8.22%±1.69% and 7.86%±1.57% before and after the lockdown, respectively, showing a significant decrease in HbA1c during the lockdown period (P=0.001).
  • The decrease in HbA1c was more significant in subjects with higher pre-lockdown HbA1c levels, older patients, and individuals not using continuous glucose monitoring or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
  • The study found that the beneficial effect of the lockdown on blood glucose control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus was more pronounced in patients with existing poor glycemic control.
  • The study's results suggest that the lockdown had a positive impact on glycemic control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with higher pre-lockdown HbA1c levels and existing poor glycemic control.

Statistics:

  • 47 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes were included in the study, with 23 (49%) being female and an average age before the lockdown of 11.65±3.03 years.
  • Mean HbA1c levels were 8.22%±1.69% and 7.86%±1.57% before and after the lockdown, respectively.
  • The decrease in HbA1c during the lockdown period was statistically significant (P=0.001).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings in COVID-19 Described from Ajou University Hospital (Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on blood glucose levels in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus). Diabetes Week. May 12, 2025; p 189.
  • Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on blood glucose levels in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. 2025,30(1):25-30. (http://e-apem.org)
  • Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology. Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism. (https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.6065/apem.2448072.036)