COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Disparities in Youth Diabetes Management

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant disparities in diabetes management among youth, particularly among Black and low-income communities, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care. Researchers from the Center for Pediatric Research found that Black youth with type 1 diabetes were more likely to experience worsening glycemic control and obesity during the pandemic, while those from the most deprived neighborhoods were more likely to experience stable obesity and glycemic control.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed a cohort of 1,322 youth with type 1 diabetes and 59 with type 2 diabetes, aged 10-19 years, who had one or more visits at a large pediatric hospital between January 2018 and August 2021.
  • The researchers used group-based trajectory models to identify latent classes of combined BMI z-score (BMIZ) and HbA(1c) trajectories, finding six trajectory classes for type 1 diabetes and three for type 2 diabetes.
  • Black youth with type 1 diabetes were 3 times more likely to be in the class with worsening glycemic control and concurrent BMIZ decrease at pandemic onset, and 3 times more likely to be in the class with progressively worsening glycemic control and obesity.
  • Youth from the most deprived neighborhoods were 1.9 times more likely to be in the class with stable obesity and glycemic control.
  • For type 2 diabetes, two of the three distinct trajectories experienced worsening glycemic control with concurrent BMIZ decline at pandemic onset.
  • The study highlights persistent and widening disparities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.

Statistics:

  • 93% of the youth with type 1 diabetes in the study were White, while 7% were Black.
  • 53% of the youth with type 2 diabetes were Black, while 47% were White.
  • The study found that Black youth with type 1 diabetes were 3 times more likely to experience worsening glycemic control and obesity during the pandemic.
  • Youth from the most deprived neighborhoods were 1.9 times more likely to experience stable obesity and glycemic control.

Sources:

  • Diabetes Care, 2023;46(3):511-518
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Center for Pediatric Research Detail Findings in COVID-19 (Race- and Neighborhood-related Disparities Spanning the Covid-19 Pandemic: Trajectories of Combined Glycemic Control and Bmi In Youth With Diabetes). Obesity & Diabetes Week. July 10, 2023; p 593