Sign in Subscribe
COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Reduces Emergency Department Visits in Adults with Diabetes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare utilization, particularly for populations with chronic diseases, including diabetes. A recent study conducted by researchers from East Carolina University analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine the impact of the pandemic on emergency department (ED) visits among adults with diabetes in the United States. The study found that adults with diabetes were less likely to visit the ED during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic era, despite the expected increase in ED visits due to delayed care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 9,845 adults with diabetes, representing 3,066, 3,086, and 2,899 participants in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively.
  • Adults with diabetes were 15% less likely to visit the ED in 2020 (AOR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.98) and 24% less likely to visit in 2021 (AOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.65-0.88) compared to 2019.
  • Delayed care due to cost was associated with increased odds (AOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.32, 2.06) of ED visits compared to those who did not delay their care due to cost.
  • Having fair or poor health status was associated with higher odds of ED visits (AOR 2.01; 95% CI 1.68, 2.41) compared to those reporting excellent health status.
  • The study found that despite the pandemic, ED visits among adults with diabetes decreased compared to the pre-pandemic era.

Statistics:

  • 19.5% of the participants were immigrants, 15.6% were Non-Hispanic Black, 17.2% were Hispanic, and 58.5% were Non-Hispanic White.
  • The odds ratio (OR) for ED visits in 2020 was 0.85 (95% CI 0.73-0.98) compared to 2019.
  • The OR for ED visits in 2021 was 0.76 (95% CI 0.65-0.88) compared to 2019.
  • Delayed care due to cost increased odds (AOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.32, 2.06) of ED visits.
  • Having fair or poor health status increased odds (AOR 2.01; 95% CI 1.68, 2.41) of ED visits.

Sources:

  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits in adults with diabetes: findings from the national health interview survey. BMC Public Health, 2025;25(1):3406.
  • NewsRx. Studies in the Area of COVID-19 Reported from East Carolina University (Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits in adults with diabetes: findings from the national health interview survey). Diabetes Week. October 20, 2025; p 244.

Read more