The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents has increased significantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a large study. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 studies involving 102,984 youth under the age of 19.
The results showed that the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes was 1.14 times higher in the first year and 1.27 times higher in the second year after the start of the COVID pandemic than before the pandemic. There has also been an increase in the cases of type-2 diabetes in children and adolescents.
The study also found that the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the pandemic is 1.26 times higher than before the pandemic. DKA is the most common and serious complication of type 1 diabetes that can be life-threatening. It develops when there is not enough insulin in the cells for the body to use blood sugar as energy.
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“This study found that the incidence rates of type 1 diabetes and DKA at the onset of diabetes in children and adolescents were higher after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic than before the pandemic. In resources and support for the growing number of children An increase may be needed and adolescents with diabetes, ”said a team of researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada.
“We found an increased incidence rate of DKA at diabetes diagnosis in children and adolescents during the pandemic. This is worrying because DKA is preventable and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and is associated with long-term poor glycemic control,” she added. related to management.
While the researchers said it is not clear what is causing the increase in cases, there are some theories, including that Covid infection may trigger a response in some children that increases their risk of diabetes. Others include lifestyle changes, changing patterns of pediatric non-COVID infections, and increased stress and social isolation.
It has also been proposed that frequent respiratory or intestinal infections in children are potential triggers for islet autoimmunity, promote the progression of type 1 diabetes, or are stress-causing factors.
“Our findings underscore the need to devote resources to support pediatric and ultimately young adult diabetes care and the rapidly growing need for strategies to prevent DKA in patients with new-onset diabetes,” the researchers said.