Evaluating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a rural population

Abstract

Research Question: This research project compares patient’s Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) pre- vs. post-COVID-19 pandemic to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the patient's management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Background: On March 11, 2020, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared as a global pandemic. As a consequence, many countries implemented “lockdown” or quarantining regulations, which resulted in extended periods at home. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of quarantine periods on patient’s management of T2DM. Material and methods: A chart review was conducted using paper charts of patients above 18 years at Ruth’s Place Clinic in Granbury, Texas. The pre and post COVID-19 lockdown data of 55 patients with T2DM was documented. The variables recorded included demographic data, HbA1c, body weight, past medical history and current anti-diabetic medications.

Results: The study found p values > 0.05 when comparing both pre and post COVID-19 mean HbA1c and pre and post COVID-19 calculated BMI. There was a significant correlation between both pre and post COVID-19 HbA1c and pre and post COVID-19 calculated BMI. Although, no significant correlation was found between the calculated difference of pre and post COVID-19 mean HbA1c and the difference of pre and post COVID-19 BMI.

Conclusions: The quarantine regulations implemented during COVID-19 did not cause a major disruption in patients' glycemic control and management of T2DM in our population.