Archive | 2021
Self-Isolation Negatively Impacts Self-Management of Diabetes During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Abstract
\n Background/Aim: People with diabetes are at a greater risk of serious complications from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Self-management of diabetes is therefore of paramount importance. The purpose of this study is to compare self-management of diabetes pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 679 participants with diabetes completed an online structured questionnaire. Outcome variables that were analysed were: (i) fluctuation of blood glucose levels, (ii) access to diabetes medicine, (iii) access to healthy diet, and (iv) physical activity. Adjusted multiple regression analysis ascertained significant associations for each outcome variable against exposure variables such as demographics (age/gender), history of diabetes (duration, treatment, and complications) and the need for self-isolation. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that self-isolation was significantly associated with greater fluctuation in blood glucose levels (OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.2-2.6, p=0.005), worsened access to diabetes medicine (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.1-3.1, p=0.02) and reduced access to healthy diet (OR=3.0, 95% CI= 2.0-4.6, p<0.001). Fluctuating blood glucose was also significantly associated with having at least one complication of diabetes (OR=2.2, 95 % CI=1.2-3.9, p=0.008) and worsened access to diabetes medicine was significantly higher in people who were on insulin (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.3-3.3, p=0.001). Conclusions: Self-isolation impacted various factors that influence self-management of diabetes. A targeted approach to improved access to diabetes medicine and healthy diet for people needing to self-isolate is vital in order to ensure that they are able to self-manage their diabetes effectively.