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COVID-19

Pandemic-Related Increase in Type 2 Diabetes Incidence Among Adults with Prediabetes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Northern California have evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among adults with prediabetes. Analyzing electronic health record data from 2019 to 2021, the study found that T2D incidence increased by 6.5% after the pandemic onset, with a more significant rise observed among Hispanic adults. The research highlights the need for public health strategies to address the growing burden of T2D.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pandemic-related increase in T2D incidence was observed in adults with prediabetes and a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² (or 23 kg/m² if Asian).
  • The study included 323,609 adults, with 55.6% being female and 43.2% being white.
  • Hispanic adults experienced a 51% higher increase in T2D incidence compared to white adults.
  • The increase in T2D incidence persisted through 2021, even after accounting for differential screening bias.
  • The study found no other significant differences in T2D incidence among different groups, including sex, insurance type, and race/ethnicity subgroups.
  • The pandemic onset was followed by a sharp increase in T2D incidence, with an average monthly increase of 6.5% and 3.2% for comprehensive and lab-only definitions, respectively.

Statistics:

  • 323,609 adults with prediabetes were included in the study.
  • 55.6% of the participants were female.
  • 43.2% of the participants were white.
  • The pandemic onset was followed by a 6.5% increase in T2D incidence for comprehensive and 3.2% for lab-only definitions.
  • Hispanic adults experienced a 51% higher increase in T2D incidence compared to white adults.
  • The increase in T2D incidence persisted through 2021.

Sources:

  • Diabetes incidence before and after the pandemic onset in adult subgroups with prediabetes. Public Health, 2025;248:105969.
  • Public Health can be contacted at: W B Saunders Co Ltd, 32 Jamestown Rd, London NW1 7BY, England.
  • Elsevier - www.elsevier.com;
  • Public Health - www.journals.elsevier.com/public-health/

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