Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in social distancing measures. In this study, we investigated the impact of these measures on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at our hospital's obesity and diabetes clinic, involving patients who were regularly followed up. Data from two time points were retrieved from patient files: visit 1, which occurred within the three months before the lockdown, and visit 2, which occurred within the first two months following the lockdown. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy or breastfeeding, malignancy, start of medications influencing weight and body fat distribution, and non-compliance with regular follow-up appointments after lockdown. Anthropometric measurements and blood tests, including fasting glucose, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) values, were compared between visits 1 and 2. The values of variables at visits 1 and 2 were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The study included 200 patients, with a mean age of 55.2 +/- 10 years, and a mean body mass index of 35.3 +/- 6.2 kg/m(2), with a female predominance (77.5%). Before the lockdown, the patients had a mean body weight of 91.4 +/- 16.0 kg, which increased to 93.1 +/- 16.3 kg after the lockdown (p<0.001). Blood examinations revealed a significant increase in mean fasting blood glucose levels, from 136 +/- 43.1 mg/dL to 148.0 +/- 53.6 mg/dL (p=0.003), as well as an increase in mean HbA1C levels from 7.2 +/- 1.4 to 7.9 +/- 1.7 (p<0.001). Conclusion: During the lockdown period, patients with diabetes experienced weight gain and deterioration in diabetes regulation.